TYLER, Texas — Simone Biles made a triumphant comeback in Paris, as the American women's gymnastics team took gold in the artistic team all-around event.
Their victory was broadcast to billions of screens across the world, and is no doubt inspiring a new generation of American gymnasts - including in East Texas.
"We do always get a little bit of push at the Olympics with kids coming in," said Marlynne Finch, a gymnastics coach and co-owner of Texas East Gymnastics in Tyler.
The gym has been training thousands of children since 1969, some before they're even potty trained.
"We start here with 2-year-olds," Finch said. "And even at 2 years old, you do most of the events in gymnastics."
Even at a young age, Finch said their gymnasts know the moves they're seeing in Paris won't be easy to master.
"They know how hard they are and how hard it is to be really consistent," Finch said. "That's what you have to be in the Olympics. And so it just takes hours in the gym."
Tom Mattecucci, who coaches the boys team, takes pride in pushing his students.
"They are doing mushroom circles," Mattecucci said. "There is nothing you do anywhere that resembles a circle. There's nothing."
Several Texas East alumni have found success in competitive gymnastics, and some have even made it to the Olympic qualifiers. But to Finch, the love of the sport comes before any medal or podium.
"Gymnastics is such a great sport," Finch said. "Just to keep kids moving, to set goals and challenges, to build some muscle, coordination, flexibility -- all that stuff is great for kids."