Just over a year ago, Helen Hu lived in a coastal hostel in Las Tunas, Ecuador, embracing a life far removed from the gymnastics arena. Alongside her sister, she traded balance beams for surfboards, exploring the world’s waves and contemplating her future. At the time, her decorated collegiate career—marked by All-American honors and SEC titles at the University of Missouri—seemed firmly behind her.
Fast-forward to today: The 23-year-old is now the nation’s No. 2-ranked beam gymnast, a reigning SEC champion, and a pivotal force for the No. 7-ranked Tigers as they gear up for NCAA regional competition in Seattle. This improbable journey began with a casual visit to her old gym—a decision that rewrote her athletic legacy.
From Global Adventures to Gymnastics Revival
After graduating in 2023, Hu embarked on an 11-month backpacking odyssey with her sister, Elaine—a dream born during pandemic lockdowns. The pair traversed 15 countries, from Southeast Asia to Central America, immersing themselves in cultures, cuisines, and a four-week yoga certification program in India. Hu had planned to settle in Chicago, coaching part-time while starting anew. But a trip to Missouri for a teammate’s wedding altered everything.
During a summer training session, Hu—on a whim—stepped onto the beam for the first time in 15 months. To everyone’s astonishment, she executed complex skills effortlessly. “I thought, ‘Let me try two aerials in a row,’ and I nailed it,” Hu recalled. Teammate Jocelyn Moore described the moment as surreal: “For someone who hadn’t trained in a year, her fluidity was unreal.”
A Second Chance at Glory
Missouri head coach Shannon Welker, recognizing Hu’s untapped potential, confirmed she had retained NCAA eligibility. After days of deliberation—and encouragement from teammates—Hu agreed to return under two conditions: She’d train independently in Chicago during the fall semester and compete solely on beam to protect her injury-prone back.
Her comeback was anything but ordinary. Hu rehearsed routines during off-hours at her childhood gym, mastering a new dismount (a gainer pike) through self-guided practice. Weekly check-ins with coaches and video reviews refined her artistry. By December, she rejoined the Tigers with a near-complete routine and a revitalized mindset: “This time, it’s about joy, not pressure.”
Rewriting the Record Books
Hu’s return defied expectations. At a meet against top-ranked Oklahoma, she scored a flawless 10.0 on beam—a first in her career—prompting tears and disbelief. “It felt unreal,” she admitted. Weeks later, she earned another perfect score, becoming only the second Missouri gymnast to achieve multiple 10s in a season. Her performances propelled the Tigers to historic team highs, including a program-record 198.100 against Auburn and a fourth-place finish at the SEC Championships, where Hu claimed a share of the beam title.
A Legacy of Resilience
Hu’s journey is a testament to perseverance. After battling chronic back pain (spondylolysis) during her initial senior year, she retired, believing her body couldn’t endure more. Now, pain-free and reinvigorated, she’s savoring a “victory lap” she never anticipated. “My first farewell was bittersweet,” she said. “This time, it’s pure gratitude.”
As Missouri eyes a third-ever NCAA finals berth, Hu remains grounded. She’s at peace whether the Tigers advance or not: “This season is the cherry on top. I’ve already won.”