Aly Raisman
The steadfast captain whose powerful gymnastics and unwavering leadership anchored two historic Olympic gold medal teams for the United States.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American Olympic gymnast and gold medalist·Birthday: May 25·Millennials
Biography
Aly Raisman's gymnastics was built on a foundation of formidable strength and unshakeable consistency. She emerged not as a fleeting phenom, but as a durable leader, chosen by her peers to captain both the 2012 'Fierce Five' and the 2016 'Final Five' U.S. Olympic teams. On the floor exercise, her powerful tumbling—set to stirring Israeli folk music—became a signature, earning her individual gold in London. Beyond her medals, her impact deepened after her career, as she became one of the most vocal and courageous survivors speaking out about the USA Gymnastics abuse scandal, using her platform to advocate for systemic change and athlete safety, transforming her legacy from champion to agent of justice.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Aly was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Aly Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Aly's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Captained the U.S. women's gymnastics teams to gold medals at both the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
- Won an individual gold medal on the floor exercise at the 2012 Olympics.
- Is a three-time World Championship gold medalist, including on the floor exercise in 2011 and 2015.
Did You Know?
She is the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal on the floor exercise.
Her floor routine music at the 2012 Olympics was 'Hava Nagila'.
She was the final American gymnast to compete at the 2012 Olympics, sealing the team gold with her floor exercise.
She has two gymnastics elements named after her in the Code of Points.
“I worked so hard for that and I just wanted to prove to everyone that I could do it.”
