Illinois Gymnast Chloe Cho Eyes Olympic Glory for South Korea

University of Illinois gymnastics star Chloe Cho has been recognized as the ‘Rookie of the Year’ by the Big Ten Conference. The talented athlete, who won 16 events last year, has expressed her desire to represent her father’s homeland, South Korea, at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Born in 2006 in Santa Clarita, California, and homeschooled to focus on gymnastics, Cho has quickly made a name for herself in the American collegiate gymnastics world. Her journey, though, has been marked by personal loss. Her father, who battled illness since 2017, passed away in April of last year [2]. Cho took a three-month break from the sport following his death.

“The biggest reason I do artistic gymnastics is because I have always felt it is a blessing. I experience like I am giving glory to my parents and giving back to them what they have poured into me. It is a truly beautiful experience,” Cho stated [2].

Cho’s ambition extends beyond collegiate success; she is setting her sights on the 2028 LA Olympics, hoping to compete for South Korea. She holds dual citizenship with the U.S. And South Korea [1], [2].

Her coach, Josh Nielsen, believes her Olympic aspirations are attainable. “In a conversation we had last year, Chloe talked about the 2028 Olympics. I think it’s possible. Chloe has dual citizenship with Korea. Her father is Korean,” Nielsen said [2].

Chloe’s mother, Sarah Cho, expressed her support, stating, “It would be truly amazing if Chloe could represent Korea. If she did, I think her father would be smiling in heaven. There’s a ‘Cinderella story’ there. The Olympics are held in Los Angeles, and that’s Chloe’s hometown. If that’s not Chloe’s story, then what is?” [2].

Cho recently competed with the Illinois Gymnastics team in Southern California against UCLA, marking the last time she was able to visit her father before his passing [3], [4].