‘It just means more’: Black college gymnasts in a divided South
Summary
Nyla Aquino, a Black gymnast at the University of Georgia (UGA), performed a well-received routine during a gymnastics meet against rival Florida in February 2026. Her presence and success at UGA highlight progress since the university admitted its first Black students in 1961 despite past resistance, while Black athletes in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) continue to face challenges beyond sports.Key Facts
- Nyla Aquino is a 19-year-old Black gymnast competing for UGA in the SEC.
- She performed a high-scoring routine that drew cheers from over 10,000 fans at Stegeman Coliseum.
- The University of Georgia admitted its first Black students in 1961 after a court order and violent protests.
- Aquino’s routine celebrated Black culture and gained over 3 million views on ESPNW’s TikTok.
- The SEC is known for strong fan loyalty and dominates women’s college gymnastics with many top-ranked teams.
- Five of the eight teams at the 2026 NCAA championships were from the SEC.
- Lawmakers in some Southern states are attempting to remove diversity and inclusion programs from universities.
- Despite these challenges, Black athletes like Aquino are central to SEC teams’ success and culture.
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