The Reality College Gymnasts Face After Retiring (ft. Gracie Kramer) | For a Living | Refinery29
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- čas přidán 14. 06. 2024
- Former UCLA Gymnast Gracie Kramer @graciekramer14 ended her career early because of covid shut downs. Now at 25, Gracie is considered "old" for a pro gymnast. But, Gracie is determined to go against the age stereotypes, continue flipping, and make a living doing it. Watch to see how Gracie makes a living as a former college gymnast.
00:00 Meet Gracie Kramer
00:28 Morning Gymnastics Training
1:31 UCLA Perfect 10 Routine
3:25 Covid Ended Her Career
3:52 Coaching a Private Client
5:37 Gymnastics Stunt Work
6:19 Physical Therapy
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It's a commentary on D1 athletics that she graduated from college not having any idea what she would do because all she knew was gymnastics.
For real... When she said she had no idea what she would do I was like "girl what were you studying in school???"
@@KC12344325 you can get your degree and still be unsure of what you want to do lol it's possible
This a commentary on 4 year programs in general. Unless you take nursing, accounting, or engineering, most BA/BSc grads have no idea what they're going to work at afterwards.
omgosh this is exactly what I was thinking. Geez for you were a STUDENT-athlete. Student comes first.
@@KC12344325 her major was sociology, that explains a lot
A lot of folks work in fields they didn’t study in college. She is still young, and I commend her for following her passions. It’s not uncommon for people to go back to school to expand or switch professions. How amazing that she is now working with young athletes and contributing positively on social media. Geez, people, did we watch the same video?
That is all fine, but it seems that her college education was just a pretext for the college to have an athlete; whilst the impression they promote is your athletic ability is a means to get a cheaper education. In fact the education was not the point of going to uni at all
There's nothing wrong with pursuing an alternative career path, but it's a something of inditement of the college system if after 4 years of studying something that was apparently so irrelevant to her life that they don't even say what it was, she couldn't think of any job she was suitable for. It rather endorses the stereotype that 'student'-athletes just 'study' any old rubbish that will give them as much time as possible to get on with being full time professional athletes.
I just want to know what gear her PT Ashley is on. Good lord she has a gut and everything.
I went back to school at 30 to get a master's degree. I changed professions from technology to finance at 58. The discipline learned in gymnastics, if nurtured, should carry through for the rest of their lives.
@jonathanp896 It's not at all an indictment. College doesn't exist to feed into some farm system for capitalism. Education is not synonymous with job training. Learning for learning's sake is worthy and in no way a waste of time. A lot of people get pressured to do what their parents want them to do and end up miserable. You need education, life experience, and freedom to make your own choices--that's how innovation happens. There are so many in their 30s and 40s who absolutely have concrete direction and would do incredible things, but only new college grads get support. We're wasting so much letting them languish in whatever job they could manage to pay rent.
I worked at a D1 school. These athletes are employees, their coaches and trainers control every aspect of their lives. Where they live, what classes they take, who they hangout with- food, Healthcare. Everything! The coaches don't want walkons or any athlete not on scholarship because they are harder to control and affect the other athletes that have their education held over their heads of they exert any self determination. It's really sad.
I was a D1 athlete on scholarship. Nobody told me what classes to take. And not every sport can give scholarships to every athlete. Track, baseball, soccer... the NCAA only allows you to fill a team with all scholarship athletes for basketball, and football. You don't know what you're talking about
@@veganpottertheveganOr you just weren't a top athlete and the school and your coaches knew they couldn't make good money off of you.
It's almost as if different people have different experiences, wow that's so crazy 🤯
@@oldankh I was an all-american. That said, what they said just isn't true as a blanket statement. Coaches largely don't care what you do until you stop performing
@@veganpotterthevegan Did you really interpret that comment as something that applies to every single individual D1 student athlete? How daft.
As I reiterate, it's almost as if different people have different experiences🤯
@oldankh not every idiot is like the OP but they certainly implied this goes for everyone.
*You can't read
Don't worry Gracie, even those of us who graduated with "practical" degrees still feel lost in life 😄 the joy of being in your 20s
I’m 44. I still haven’t decided 😂
She's making hundreds of thousands of dollars. If she's still in Cali she ain't exactly rich, but she ain't poor either. She's fine
I cried when Gracie finally got that 10, and cried again watching her recall it 🫶🏼 what a routine.
Basically you are crying a lot about nothing in particular.
@@tomastoth3839 what a stellar contribution to the discourse, Thomas. Crying is very healthy, cynicism less so.
@@reneepope-munro8115 it's a comment section buddy. You take an action /writing a comment - in your case about your feelings/, you got a reaction /reply on your comment/. It's safe to say that none of us did a good job leaving a stellar contribution in particular. Don't think you're superior in any way contributing to something because of your feelings. appreciate the ones who are interacting with you because of them.
I don't mind you being sensitive about a stranger doing a physical performance. Cry as much as you want.
I wish you and your loved ones good health and happiness. 💖
@@tomastoth3839 it’s not that deep, Thomas…
@@reneepope-munro8115 crying is a very deep act of human's emotions indeed. Don't underestimate your feelings. They are the main source of your actions.
It's really great to hear the story of a gymnast who looks back on her sporting life with fondness. There are so many stories that are the exact opposite of that, even among Olympic medalists. Her perfect 10 routine was a thing of beauty, and I'm not talking about knee position or landings. I hope it stays that way over time.
I love that smile on her face @ 2:23 in the midst of her routine - you can see her real joy that she's doing well at something she loves.
If I was in her position I would consider auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. I was a high school gymnast and a college pole vaulter and if cirque had been an option when I was young and supple I would have absolutely taking advantage of it
I think at least one of the other girls on the UCLA team at the same time as gracie went to cirque du soleil! I was in their class and I remember seeing it on ig after graduation
A lot of people, especially gymnasts have horror stories of the treatment of acrobats in cirque. It’s definitely not for everyone
Also, she makes 30k/month before stunts so I don’t think she needs cirque
it can be years before you ever get called in by cirque du soleil. You have to have a skill set they need for a specific show theyre beginning to run.
@@TerranTarothe skill set also goes further than the average elite gymnast. You have to be what they’re looking for and able to take the sport to an extreme (multiple flips over various things, contortion, aerial work etc)
Still doing gymnastics, still doing what she loves, working as a coach, making money on CZcams, picking up occasional acting/stunt work. Yeah, I’d say she’s living the successful life. Hard work pays off.
That centennial meet floor is next level and I loved the originality. Gracie is a great.
I am in awe of her professionalism and drive. Well done!
I don’t understand the criticism, she’s a serious athlete and school is the way to continue competing. She was serious about her sports career as a child, and relatively she was highly focused. Even her job is still nice compared to other options, and her training all helped make her a good trainer. Even if she switched to a white collar profession, she will be highly focused, honest, practical. She probably got a full ride. Literally, she’s doing everything right???? Even people who say they’re into sociology, film, teaching, counseling, don’t always follow through after hitting the real world
I agree with almost everything you wrote except the idea that just because you were a good athlete, you’d be a good coach. Unfortunately, those are two *very* different jobs. The qualities that make a good athlete (drive, self-discipline, competitiveness, etc) are not necessarily the same things that make a good coach (patience, positivity, ability to motivate very different personalities, flexibility, personable, etc). So many stellar athletes just assume they’ll stay connected to their beloved sport through coaching but then fail painfully. It’s heartbreaking to watch.
Mainly creeps and degenerates in the comments. College athletics still offer a means to an education. People who harp on her not using her degree don’t understand. Girls like Gracie are generally fringe olympians.
The rigors that come with being an Olympian, won’t allow you to pursue a STEM degree. The ones that do are bench players that don’t contribute. You have make a choice at that level of athletics, go all in, or not.
@arachnid4910 Leanne Wong is premed while training for the Olympics. She didn't make the team but was an alternate and a significantly more accomplished gymnast than Gracie as a world all-around medalist. It's highly unlikely she won't make the team for Paris. *Everyone is different though. Chaney Umphrey put his medical studies on hold with training but he tried.
@@veganpotterthevegan There is no requirement to be pre med, it just means you plan to apply to medical school, you can major in communications and still be pre med.
She could get married and focus on family no???? A man would be thrilled to have her
I also recognized her being the stuntdouble for Martha Stewart immediately!! 😅 I actually think it is because of her running… the way she moves her arms beforehand ist unmistakably unique
to be honest she's 25, simone biles is 26, Canada's top gymnast Ellie Black is 28, one of Netherland's top gymnast is 32. she really do have quite a few more years in her if she wanted to compete.
It depends on the skill and mostly, injuries, and for reference the Dutch athlete we're talking about here, Sanne Wevers do beams and bars because she has an injury preventing her from doing floors and vaults. Like she mentioned here, physical therapy keeps her going till this day. Gymnastic is a sport that pushes the body so much that injuries make them retire early.
A lot of figure skaters retire in their teens
Senior international elite gymnasts like Biles, Black, and Wevers have a *lot* more competition opportunities than ex-NCAA athletes who didn't reach that level. Gracie Kramer made it to Level 10 but not elite, so competing for the senior national team wouldn't be an option for her unless she significantly upgraded her skills and routines. That's why transitioning into something like stunt work makes a lot more sense for her. No shame in that!
Yeah, the whole "a gymnast's career is over at 18" thing is becoming less and less true these days, thanks to an overall culture shift toward prioritizing athlete health and wellbeing.
@@robinbowman6991 there are other possible revenue streams too with social media and tik tok etc. I think the gym social media is quite popular
One of the benefits of social media is that athletes get to extend their careers and make way more money than they would have.
Not only is Gracie extremely talented, she’s also gorgeous ❤
Wow, she is having such a positive influence on the sport ❤
I'm an actor / stunt performer. I hope Gracie gets called for more than just gymnastics stunt work. Dancers, gymnast are naturals for fight scenes as well. Lots of good classes out there for stunt people to learn the fighting end. And a need for good females in all aspects of stunt work.
Which stunt schools so you recommend?
@@HandsomeHybrid Depends on where you live, your background, and what you want. Are you an actor who wants to add stunt training to your resume? Or you want to skip the acting, be a full-time stunt person? Step one if you want full time stunts, before looking for a school if you are not in top physical shape, get there first. Actors who get actions rolls train 6 months to a year with personal trainers to get in shape to do the few stunts they mange on camera. You need the musculature to handle it. Not saying you have to train like Arnie. Look up Brie Larson training for Capetian Marvel for a ample of good training. Dancers, gymnasts have the balanced muscles needed to get started. I was a gymnast in school, started training in martial arts when I was 12, when I was 17, I joined the infantry, served 3 years, then survived the physical tests (barely) and was accepted into the Special Forces (then the real physical work started) served another 4 years. Then fell into stunts and acting after I was discharged, by working in low budget Chinese Fung Fu movies.
If you are an actor looking to try stunts look in your area for workshops for actors where you can learn firearms handling, fight work. All looks good on a resume. Even if you are not an actor you can still take workshops.
What I tell people for both martial arts and stunts is look on line for reviews. How long has the school been around? For stunts, are the instructors on set experienced, accredited stunt people? Now a days you can find out using IMDB free, or sign up for paid. You can trace most stunt performers credits. Have fun and good luck.
Usually there are martial artists that are stuntmen too.
@@bobfg3130 Yes I started training in martial arts when I was 12. I took gymnastics in school, and trained in dance as well (to improve flexibility and balance)
@DIDYOUSEETHAT172 thanks for your feedback. I still don't have my SAG-e status. Since stunts are unionized I've done some stunt training and had opportunities to perform stunts for TV but those fell through. Just got discouraged over the years, grinding and now being older it's even harder staying in peak health and shape for stunts. If you have an IMDb listing or link to your stunt reel I'd like to checkout. My IMDb is under "Jeffry Summer". Thanks!
Peacefully Stay,
-Jeff
What a gem!!! So proud of Gracie!!
I've forever loved sports and fitness , cycling, martial arts, track and field, but gymnasts has had a special place in my heart and mind. The men are awesome, but what you ladies do..... Just fantastic! Superlative! Poetry in motion! Epitomy of strength and agility, especially what you do on the balance beam! Thank you.
As someone on the D1 track who had to quit due to injury and mental health, I found my way back to gymnastics by doing pageants! I get to share my story and newfound love again for my sport while still performing.
You entered "the zone" witht that 10! I loved studying this in school using more theological with psychological experiences to address this feeling of "knowing without knowing. I depend on engaing my body as a prayer to the divine within me daily. Love hearing tabout this from a world class athlete.
Another former NCAA D1 gymnast I follow is "Jetting Julia" Ross. She was at University of Denver, now she is
a flight attendant for American Airlines and vlogs about her life flying. She studied journalism and her vlogs are
really well done. She knows how to package a present a story so her journalism skills are not going to waste.
These days you gotta have the side hustle!
I'm impressed with Gracie. I wish you the best in whatever future job you finally decide in. Listening to you in this video, you sound very grounded and positive. I'm sure you'll find yourself in something you like....
I definitely needed this, I’m returning to the sport of gymnastics as well and it’s so encouraging to see what she has to say about it.❤Love you Gracie
I've always told my daughters to have a Plan B and even C.
Thanks for sharing your story! Love your videos! Keep it up!
All the best to you Gracie!!!
Go, Gracie! Go Bruins! Great episode 🎉
Wow this girl has so much drive and compassion in what she does.I’m intrigued , congrats to you Gracie.you’re going for what you want.
Her attitude and smile are superb.
She is absolutely amazing!
I find this informative and inspiring. Live by your dreams and clear talent 👏🙏✌️
I was at the centennial meet when you got your 10!! 😃
You have inspired me so much and I know where you’re coming from. Because I’ve had two concussions in the past year. My dream is to go to the Olympics and you’re really inspired me and I never thought I could do that after my concussions hope I grow up to be as good as you
Strong mentality, well done 👏🏼
God Bless All the Hard WORK from S.A. Texas
I REALLY ENJOYED 😊this video!!! It was VERY INFORMATIVE and INSPIRATIONAL!!! You’re SO LUCKY 🍀 you are still YOUNG ENOUGH and FIT ENOUGH TO DO GYMNASTICS!!! 🤸♀️ I used to do gymnastics when I was younger, but now I am 59 years old!!! I STRETCH 🙆♀️ EVERY MORNING, but because of a back injury I CAN ONLY do simple things like handstands and backbends and splits… MY GOAL is todo a BACK WALKOVER!
She’s still training - she looks in great shape. She could start training some upgrades and try to qualify elite. She was a strong level 10 gymnast.
She probably would rather go out on a high than try to keep up in elite gymnastics. I was surprised Simone came back but she’s a super human so she knew she would still dominate 😂
Sounds like she's making pretty good coin doing the social influencer thing -- elite is a grind, and while she was a good collegiate gymnast, she's not good enough/too old now to be a top elite gymnast.
What an absolute champion, so glad she's still doing what she loves.
UCLA (former) fencing champion here! Great school for athletics. Perfect training to prep me for Stanford!
Always interesting to see how athletes not in the money sports approach the rest of their lives. You dedicate most of your life to something, there's probably not a path to any kind of big money, now how do you translate that passion and drive into other parts of your life? Even most Olympians don't get the big endorsements and at some point they need to figure out if they can make a living as a coach or if they pursue another career.
It's interesting and also kind of sad. In an ideal world we would simply be doing whatever we love for the rest of our lives. But realistically, we need to make a living, and for a lot of people, the things that bring them joy in life doesn't bring sufficient financial security.
LOVE to see the way she coaches.
When youre amongst greats you cant help but wanna be great....
Well done
🥝🇳🇿🥋😊
This is great information for the younger kids
Are you kidding! She could do so many professions. Model, stunt performer, Cosplay Model!, cat burgler, Circ de solay, um ninja, anything physical basically. 😳
GRACIE STILL GOT IT!
That slo mo closeup backflip was so useful actually
All the best!
Whatever else she accomplishes in life Gracie will always have that 10, a moment of perfection that few have ever matched.
such elite athletes. incredible
She’s a coach/member at my old gym
Amazing Gracie.
Anyone that can make it to this high a level in any sport shows that they have dedication and good work ethic. If they wanted to they could probably apply that work ethic to other things, but in this case why would she, she is killing it.
She’s a gem 💎
I'm 30 now, started gymnastics when I was 4 yo and quit after a few years and now I came back to it last week and can't wait to do a flip again 😁
Gracie had the best floor routines!!
Absolutely love Gracie.
So many people find themselves in this position. They go from pinnacle to peasant. For me, the military was everything. I was exceptionally good at what I did with a LOT of high-end responsibilities that I cannot talk about (classified). And when I got out, I was a nobody. What I did for the Navy didn't translate well on the outside. I struggled a long time to forge a new path, and I still do. Finding purpose is important to emotional stability.
Her body takes her look to the next level. Good Lord 😍
i love this girls tik toks!
Awesome video, her talent is off the charts.
Side note: is that Tom Segura sitting in the front row in the camo jacket at 2:30?!
I love gymnastics!! is such a beautiful sport!!! sometimes I wonder if at my 32 years old maybe I could learn the basics... it´s like a dream I'll never be able to accomplish...
GRACIE IS STILL A GREAT GYMNAST!
Cammy did that soaring eagle sort of back flip in street fighter 5 as part of her victory animation, iirc
hair goals oh my goodness
Ha, I beat you! I was crying before you. Congratulations on your accomplishments.
And people wonder why LeAnn is selling Bows😂😂 .. Smart Girl🧠😉
4:14 And thank God that Gracie did that, gracing us viewers with beauty and motor skills!
The flexibility and balance gymnasts reach is really cool to watch. The wee recouping on the beams or is it horse. That is fun. Always makes you happy they didn't fall. Their reflexes must be spidergwen level. Glad all her hard work paid off for a 10. 😊
Amazing to watch all her gymnastic skills but dear god I need her hair care routine
GO GRACIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's amazing what gymnasts are capable of, but good grief, what they do looks *so hard* on their bodies. I think she hit the nail on the head when she talked about going to physical therapy since she was 8.
Gymnastics is the sport with the most injuries. Sprain ankles is what trimming nails is for other sports.
Fan of Gracie K I'm Lyndon Sequeira from Goa India ♥️ keep it going wish I do such flips etc.
I LOVE your collabs!!!
however your NOT the #1 stunt woman!
You know who is!
the maint two options is becoming a coach or switching careers. obviously she's making great money, but she's gorgeous and in her mid 20's
Social media offers ways for fitness influencers to make a living without a traditional job. Gracie will be fine.
... and all this actually starts with getting up at five in the morning. Anyone can try. Great admiration for this person and athlete.
did you ever go to the olympics ? you're really talented
Stunt woman ftw!!!❤😊
No degree after attending university for four years? I'd have killed to be able to attend university for four years, ran out of funds after my 2nd year. Ended up joining the AF so it took me 22 years to complete my degree due to all the deployments and remote assignments. But get a degree in 4 years? Wish I'd had the opportunity, and no "student loans" were not easy to get back then.
I have heard of Gynmasts but seeing her jump around makes me think that I know nothing about College Gymnasts and don't know why it exist I came here not for the College Gymnasts but because I knew she's a Beautiful woman and happy she's doing a sport.
I love her
Congratulations! Everybody is scared to enjoy life and the media puts in our heads fear. So most live in fear rather than enjoying life.
Well, I've heard that student-sportsmen that have scholarships will receive "special exams just for them". Basically they won't be nearly as qualified as a normal student. This shows after college. To go into national teams and such is difficult even for those that are good. It's a whole other level. Most student sportsmen retire when after college. It's clear that most, including Gracie, don't study too much. This does affect their careers later on.
I remember the Final Destination Gymnasts video of the Nail, I kind of wish you would show her that scene and get her reaction.
actually, I just watched the scene and it's brutal so I don't recommand watching it if you're doing gymnasts.
Anyone else noticed the juiced up therapist?
Literally tho!!!! I was thinking I was the only one!
did I hear her correctly, she makes $25K a month from companies posting items on her YT videos? and thats on top of what CZcams pays? and then $100/hr private coaching? seems like that is a perfectly legit career. maybe I misunderstood the income.
Your college major is a good start
Classy lady!
GRACIE IS SO CUTE!
You get a free college education, can major in whatever you want and in the end, you have no idea what you’re doing. It’s basically the way it is for most kids whose parents just pay for stuff.
As a college professor who played Div 1 sports for my first two years, this kind of thing is incredibly problematic and disturbing to me. Clearly, I was not even close to a good enough tennis player to compete at a pro level, and the last thing on earth I wanted to do was give tennis lessons my whole life (like several of my former teammates ended up doing). I was able to see that at age of 19. I quit the team, focused on studying. I went to graduate school, and now I teach at a medical school (and still play tennis for fun). One thing I would ask a professional gymnast is what are you going to do once your body breaks from the unnatural stresses you are subjecting it to? You better have a plan! The truth is, only a very small percentage of Div 1 athletes will have any sort of pro career, and if they do, it will probably be very short, either because of injury or because they aren't good enough. Universities are exploiting these young people. And to make matters worse, only some Div 1 universities actually benefit. A surprising number run a deficit on athletics! Mine does (but now that it has joined a Power 5 football conference it might break even soon). Other countries don't mingle sports and universities. It is a weirdly absurd American phenomenon that worked ok for a while until big advertising and TV $$ corrupted the whole thing. And a lot of young athletes end up being victimized.
Note added: The guys who ended up giving tennis lessons for a living were all better players than I was. It would have been harder for them to quit at the time. They were psychologically a lot more invested in the whole thing.
She is stupendously gorgeous she could review toothpicks and be well off. So this basically has no contact with reality most people have
Wow. Not too many sports shorts bring tears to my eyes, great story, well done production, fantastic story. Keep it up,, cheers, Capt.Rick
That Gracie is one fine piece of ace! 😅
She could teach or get a career as a stunt woman /mocap etc the skys the limit really
I really feel for gymnasts. They work so hard their whole life but the professional window for gymnastics is so small to make money from the sport. By the time they are in early 20s they are nearing retirement age. Such a difficult profession.
uuuuuummmmmmmmmm.....apply for Cirque du Soliel??????? lol You'd be employed there! And it's so artistic!
but I feel like nowadays, people her age who were insanely talented as teens are still competing elite, its not as rare as shes painting out to be I just feel like NCAA athtles have a hard time letting go of the sport even when they clearly outgrow the performance side of it. Symone aside because shes another level, Gaby Douglas is trying to make a comeback and shes 27 so its definitely possible, but I do feel like coaching is a better option for this girl