Following their historic triumph at the 2012 London Olympics, the Fierce Five—Gabby Douglas, McKayla Maroney, Aly Raisman, Kyla Ross, and Jordyn Wieber—captured the hearts of millions. Their gold medal win was a monumental achievement in U.S. gymnastics, marking a return to the top of the podium for the team since the 1996 Atlanta Games. While their competitive gymnastics careers have taken different paths, their impact on the sport and beyond remains significant. Here’s an update on each member of the Fierce Five:
Gabby Douglas, 28
Gabby Douglas made history at the 2012 Olympics by becoming the first Black woman to win gold in the women’s all-around, and she also took home a team gold. Her success continued into the 2016 Rio Games, where she won another team gold. Despite facing cyberbullying and criticism during her second Olympics, Douglas maintained a positive outlook. She took a hiatus from gymnastics but returned with hopes of competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Unfortunately, health issues and performance setbacks led her to end her pursuit for the 2024 Games. However, Douglas remains hopeful for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Beyond gymnastics, Douglas has authored an inspirational memoir, Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith, and appeared in the Lifetime movie The Gabby Douglas Story. She has also participated in reality TV, winning The Masked Dancer in February 2021.
McKayla Maroney, 28
McKayla Maroney became iconic for her near-perfect vault at the 2012 Olympics and her now-famous “not impressed” expression on the podium. After retiring from elite gymnastics in 2016 due to injuries and the trauma of abuse by former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, Maroney has pursued a career in entertainment. She has acted in TV shows like Hart of Dixie and appeared in commercials. Maroney released two singles in 2020 and is working on a book about her experiences. Personal tragedy struck when her father, Mike Maroney, passed away in January 2019.
Aly Raisman, 30
Aly Raisman, the team captain at the 2012 Olympics, earned gold on the floor exercise and bronze on the balance beam, making her the most decorated American gymnast of the London Games. She continued to excel at the 2016 Rio Games, winning another team gold and a silver in the all-around. Raisman retired from gymnastics before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to focus on advocacy. She has been a powerful voice against sexual abuse in gymnastics, delivering statements at Nassar’s sentencing and advocating for reforms. Raisman’s book, From My Head to My Toes, addresses consent and abuse prevention and became a New York Times bestseller. She has also joined ESPN as a gymnastics analyst.
Kyla Ross, 27
Kyla Ross, born in Hawaii and raised in California, contributed to the Fierce Five’s gold medal win at the London Games. After retiring from elite gymnastics in 2016, Ross pursued collegiate gymnastics at UCLA, where she achieved remarkable success. She became an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas in 2021 and married her fiancé Justin Rittman on June 29, 2024. Her teammates were present at the wedding, highlighting their ongoing bond.

Jordyn Wieber, 28
Jordyn Wieber, known for her role in the Fierce Five’s victory, retired from competitive gymnastics in 2015. She studied biology at UCLA, where she also served as a team manager and assistant coach. Wieber is now the head coach at the University of Arkansas, making history as the first Olympic champion to lead an NCAA gymnastics team. She led Arkansas to its first NCAA national championship appearance in six years. Wieber, along with her teammates, has spoken out about the abuse they endured from Larry Nassar. In her personal life, she married fellow Olympic gymnast Chris Brooks in May 2024.
Each member of the Fierce Five has forged a unique path since their Olympic success, continuing to inspire and influence the world in various ways. Their legacy extends beyond their achievements in gymnastics, reflecting their resilience, advocacy, and contributions to their communities.