At 19, Riley McCusker has already made history as the first female athlete to win three NCAA gymnastics individual titles in the same year. And while the University of Florida Gator is laser-focused on crushing it at this month’s SEC and NCAA championships, she’s got her sights set on a different kind of win, too: empowering young gymnasts and girls in general..
“You have to be authentically yourself,” McCusker tells Glamour. “You have to stay true to who you are. Don’t compare yourself to others. There’s always going to be someone better than you, and there’s always going to be someone worse than you. Just because someone is better than you doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. You are good enough, and you have to believe in yourself.”.
McCusker’s focus on self-belief and positive self-image is a reminder that even the most successful people struggle with their own inner critic. She’s learned to manage those feelings through a combination of self-compassion and gratitude. “I tell myself that it’s okay to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes,” McCusker says. “Beating yourself up about it doesn’t help you. You have to learn from your mistakes and move on.”.
McCusker’s positive mindset is also evident in her approach to social media. “Social media can be a great way to connect with people and share your passions,” she says. “I try to use my platform to share positive messages and inspire others.”.
McCusker is a role model for young people everywhere, and she’s passionate about using her platform to make a positive impact. “I want to show people that it’s okay to be different,” she says. “It’s okay to be yourself. And it’s okay to follow your dreams.”.
McCusker is well on her way to achieving her dreams. In addition to her NCAA titles, she also won a silver medal in the uneven bars at the 2020 Summer Olympics. She’s also a member of the U.S. national gymnastics team, and she’s set her sights on competing in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris..
But McCusker knows that her success is about more than just winning medals. She wants to use her platform to inspire others to be the best version of themselves. “I want to show people that anything is possible if you believe in yourself,” she says. “I want to help people reach their full potential.”.
McCusker is already making a difference in the world. She’s a spokesperson for the National Eating Disorders Association, and she’s spoken out about the importance of mental health awareness. She’s also a mentor for young gymnasts, and she’s passionate about helping them develop their self-esteem and confidence..
McCusker is an inspiration to us all. She’s a talented athlete, a positive role model, and a compassionate young woman. She’s a reminder that we can all achieve our dreams if we believe in ourselves and strive to make a difference in the world..
