by Okay, Abdul Rahman
December 26, 2023
UCLA gymnast Chae Campbell performs a Black Panther-inspired floor routine at a preseason meet.
A UCLA gymnast pays tribute to Marvel’s Black Panther. Chay Campbell’s floor routine, inspired by the legendary country of Wakanda in the film, is an example of black excellence in the sport.
Campbell performed the routine on UCLA’s “Meet The Bruins” show for the popular gymnastics program as it prepares for next year’s competition season. according to USA Today, The college senior is an All-Star in her own right, having emerged as the 2021 PAC-12 floor exercise co-champion and a designated All-American athlete. High-level performance is nothing new for Campbell, as she has earned 10s in her floor routine twice before in 2022.
UCLA Gymnastics posted the entire routine on social media. Campbell also appeared at the tribute show dressed appropriately as a Wakandan, wearing the film’s signature colors and designs.
“Inspired by the movie Black Panther, Chai Campbell’s senior routine is simply Marvel-ous,” the team commented.
Campbell also shared behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the garment. The garment was designed by Sylvia Dancewear, a company that also helped fellow UCLA gymnast Nia Reid honor her club with her costume. Reid wore a custom design that flaunted the letters Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
“A quick look behind the scenes at what our MTB Leo reveals,” Campbell explained in the commentary. “Thank you @sylviapteamwear for bringing my vision to life with this beautiful lion. He embodies everything the Black Panther stands for: strength and elegance!”
Campbell is already a rising star, having been named to the Pac-12 Women’s Gymnastics Preseason Watch List for 2024. With her creativity and skills already evident on floor, more eyes are sure to be on Campbell’s power and elegance when she makes her debut in the final year of the season Next up for UCLA gymnastics, which begins January 12.
Related content: