The gymnastics world was left surprised after the Florida Star, Selena Harris-Miranda, officially announced her retirement on her social media.

She penned down a heartfelt note for her gymnastics journey from UCLA to the Gator Nation.

​”Wow… where do I even start lol,” Selena wrote in her Instagram post, highlighting a career that covered almost two decades. “If you know me, you know gymnastics has always been my escape, my playground, and my peace.”

The playground that Selena refers to is where she started her journey as a toddler at the age of three, and now, at 22, she is a 25-time All-American champion.

"What my mom, sisters and I didn’t realize when I started was how much this sport would shape me and surround me with a community that helped me grow into who I am today," she further wrote.

As a first-generation collegiate, she faced some challenges, but her resilience led her to earn the title of Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2023.

“Transferring ended up being the biggest blessing,” she shared regarding her transfer to Florida. “A place that truly felt like me, and from the moment I got to the University of Florida, I knew I was where I was meant to be.”

But as Selene Harris-Miranda moves on to the next chapter of her career, the people who love her made sure she knew how proud they are of her journey.

Teammates and Fans Celebrate Selena Harris-Miranda’s Journey

After her heartfelt announcement, her fans and teammates, like Emjae Frazier, gathered online to celebrate her impact in gymnastics.

“Amazing is an understatement Lena! So blessed this sport brought us together and ik you will be extraordinary in the next phase of your career! Congrats on an amazing career, you are truly an icon! Ilysm ♥️” commented Emjae Frazier.

Another teammate, Skye Blakely, also chimed in with her message.

"So proud of you😍🫶🏽🐊," Blakely's comment read.

The comments highlighted how Selena was more than just a high scorer; she had built beautiful friendships that will be part of her legacy forever.

“You make me so proud. Watching you always reminded me to just enjoy the moment. I’m going to miss seeing you seize every opportunity you had to compete. I’ll look up to for life. I love you, Lenerrrr ❤️,” a fan commented.

The Gators' official Instagram also added their message for the gymnast.

"So proud always 💙💙🥹 Gator forever," the comment read.

And as Selena Harris-Miranda aspires to step into coaching and have an impact on the next generation, the fans know she's going to teach them the best handstands.

“Wherever you coach those girls are going to know how to stick landings and have the prettiest handstands on bars 🧡💙,” another said.

Read more at Gymnastics Digest.

Written by

Sebi Mehta

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore