Nicole Clemens was a gymnast as a teenager.
Now 37, she coaches the sport part-time and supports her daughter who is taking after her on the mat.
Over 20 years after giving up competing herself, she recently started adult gymnastic classes and said it’s been amazing because she’s enjoying it again without the pressure and anxiety.
As a teenager, there was one move she could never do – the roundoff back layout.
But over two decades later, the high school English teacher managed it and done it with style.
Posting on Twitter, the mum-of-two from Missouri said: ‘In the spirit of being freaking proud of myself and also knowing I’m about to be fat shamed on the Internet, I present to you me, a 38 year old mom and teacher, doing a thing I was afraid to do when I was a 14 year old gymnast. Next week: add a full (and straighten my legs)’
She was so taken aback by her achievement, she later added that she’s actually 37 rather than 38.
The move meant she hadn’t been able to move up to the next level as a teenager but now she’s seriously pulling it off.
It’s been viewed more than 4.5 million times and people love the idea that she faced her fears.
One said: ‘ This is amazing. I have been watching kids doing gymnastics and I’m super impressed. I wish I had learned to fly through the air and move like a super heroine when I was a kid. Thank you for inspiring us – it’s not too late!!’
Another added: ‘ Total props to you!!! Going after our dreams and working hard for them is what counts, not what you wear, what size you wear or any other superficial thing. You are inspiring.’
MORE: Woman transforms KFC bucket into beautiful vase and people can’t get enough
MORE: Mum quits job to set up baby spa and makes £24,000 in just eight months
