Less than 48 hours after one HBCU gymnast made history with a national title, Talladega College freshman Kyrstin Johnson added her name to the record books.
Johnson, the first athlete to commit to the first-year Talladega College program, brought home a national title in the vault on Sunday in the USA Gymnastics Championships.
Johnson posted the highest score of the day on vault, a 9.8750, to take the title ahead of Texas Women’s University’s Kaitlyn Hoiland and Cornell’s Sydney Beers, who tied for second (9.8250). She joined Fisk University’s Morgan Price, just a sophomore herself, as historic first national champions to come from the HBCU ranks.
“I could not have asked or even dreamed of this type of season,” Johnson tweeted on X after her victory. “I’M ONLY A FRESHIE!!!”
Finishing behind gold medalist Maggie Slife of Air Force (9.900), Johnson also tied with Gayla Griswold of Lindenwood for silver on floor exercise with a 9.8625. She was named first-team All-American on the floor exercise, balance beam and vault.
Kyrstin Johnson was one of several Talladga gymnasts who achieved All-American status. Alexa Chuy received first-team status in the all-around and second-team status in the floor exercise. Alondra Maldonado received first-team honors on the balance beam and Kiora Peart-Williams received the same honors on the vault.
Not bad for a first-year program and just the second in HBCU history.
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