Who are Evita Griskenas' parents? US rhythmic gymnast is daughter of 'World Fitness Champions'
American individual rhythmic gymnast, Evita Griskenas, 21, carries USA's 'hopes' for a medal in a sport that has long been dominated by Russian gymnasts. Griskenas qualified to represent the United States at the Tokyo Olympics in June 2021. She has been a three-time All-Around silver medalist at the USA Senior National Championships (2017–19) and the USA Junior All-Around National Champion in 2015.
Grisenkas is part of the first full rhythmic gymnastics team the US has ever sent to the Olympics. America’s rhythmic gymnasts see their presence at the Tokyo Olympics as a 'turning point' for the sport back home, where they are often dubbed as 'ribbon twirlers' and 'hula hoopers'. Griskenas used to practice in her parents' Illinois home's basement during the pandemic, breaking lightbulbs as she tossed clubs and hoops in the air.
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Evita Griskenas came into the limelight in August 2019 for winning the most medals by any single athlete in any sport at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. She won five medals, including 4 gold and one bronze. In 2020, Griskenas was placed 4th All-Around at the Grand Prix Brno, in Brno, Czech Republic. At the 2019 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, she was the highest-ranked American gymnast, finishing in 8th place All-Around. It was then Griskenas secured one of two Olympic spots for the USA for Tokyo 2020.
USA's individual and group rhythmic gymnasts will compete at qualification Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7 morning, followed by the individual final Saturday, August 7 evening and the group final Sunday, August 8.
Who are Evita Griskenas' parents?
Born in Chicago, Illinois to Lithuanian immigrants, Sigitas and Olga Griskenas, Evita was raised in Orland Park. Her parents were Lithuanian National Champions in Fitness and served as Lithuanian national fitness team coaches until 2000. Sigitas was twice the World Fitness Champion (1997 and 1999), and Vice Mr Fitness Universe in 2000, whereas Olga finished fifth place in Fitness Aerobics in 1997 and 1998. Both Olga and Sigitas were World Fitness Champions in Couples in Syros, Greece, in 2000. Evita also has a younger brother, Nathan, who does archery.
Evita attended Carl Sandburg High School, where she graduated in 2019. She is currently a sophomore at Columbia University in New York City, where she was named to the Dean's List both semesters as she completed her freshman year with an over 4.0 GPA.
