Kyla Ross
A picture of grace and precision, she made history as the first woman to claim gymnastics' triple crown of Olympic, World, and NCAA titles.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American artistic gymnast·Birthday: October 24·Millennials
Biography
Kyla Ross brought a balletic elegance to the power-packed world of elite gymnastics. As a member of the 'Fierce Five' at the 2012 London Olympics, her flawless execution on the uneven bars and balance beam provided critical, steady scores for the gold-medal-winning U.S. team. Unlike many peers, Ross sustained her career beyond the Games, transitioning to the NCAA at UCLA. There, she flourished, becoming a collegiate star and capturing the 2017 NCAA all-around title. This achievement sealed her unique place in history: the first female gymnast to win team gold at the Olympics, a World Championship title (on bars in 2014), and an NCAA championship. Her career arc, from teenage Olympian to decorated college athlete, demonstrated a rare longevity and versatility. After retiring, she moved into coaching, imparting the technical perfection and composure that defined her own performances.
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.
Kyla was born in 1996, 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 Kyla Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Kyla's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
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
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won team gold as a member of the 'Fierce Five' at the 2012 London Olympics.
- Became the first female gymnast to win Olympic, World, and NCAA championship titles.
- Won the NCAA all-around championship in 2017 while competing for UCLA.
- Captured a gold medal on the uneven bars at the 2014 World Championships.
Did You Know?
A skill on the uneven bars, a toe-on Shaposhnikova transition, is named after her (the 'Ross').
She was the youngest member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic gymnastics team at 15 years old.
She graduated from UCLA with a degree in molecular, cell, and developmental biology.
“I wanted to show that you can be successful at an older age in gymnastics.”
