Leanne Wong, a standout senior at the University of Florida, is carving out an impressive legacy in collegiate gymnastics and was previously nominated for the coveted Honda Award, a hallmark of excellence in her sport. At just 21 years old, her list of achievements is extraordinary and reflects her hard work and dedication. She made headlines at the 2021 World Championships, where she earned an all-around silver medal and a floor exercise bronze, showcasing her elite skill level. Although she served as an alternate for the 2020 Olympic team, her determination and trajectory in gymnastics have inspired many across the globe.
In a testament to her ongoing excellence, Leanne recently secured her position as a member of the U.S. Senior National Team for the sixth consecutive year, finishing eighth at the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. While the gymnastics calendar may be quieter in the lead-up to the NCAA season set to commence in April 2025, Leanne is utilizing this period productively. Rather than taking a break, she’s making strides off the mat, demonstrating that her talents extend well beyond gymnastics competition.
Leanne Wong recently took to Instagram Stories to showcase a heartfelt reel featuring her latest initiative through her foundation, all while basking in the joy of her Gators football team’s recent victory. The story, accompanied by the caption “still celebrating our gators win,” portrayed Leanne and her team engaging in a charitable endeavor. She emphasized the magnitude of their contributions, stating, “Just a few hundred pounds of food feeding over 600 people @gracemarketplace,” vividly illustrating the impact of their efforts.
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via Reuters
Gymnastics – 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships – Sportpaleis, Antwerp, Belgium – October 7, 2023. Leanne Wong of the U.S. reacts after her routine on the vault during the women’s apparatus finals REUTERS/Yves Herman
In the reel, Leanne appeared radiant, ready to help load a vehicle with loaves of bread and surplus food collected during the donation drive. The sheer volume of food provided was substantial, underscoring her commitment to making a difference in the community. With the establishment of her foundation, Leanne Wong is proving that impact can be made both on and off the gymnastics floor, as she partners with organizations to provide essential resources for those in need.
The Leanne Wong Foundation, launched on her 21st birthday, September 20, 2024, is dedicated to the dual missions of alleviating food waste and addressing food insecurity. Every dollar raised through the foundation is directed toward fighting hunger, giving hope to those affected. Moreover, September holds special significance as Hunger Action Month—an initiative symbolized by the color orange—which resonates with Leanne’s steadfast dedication to the Gators as she prepares for her final year at the University of Florida. Yet, this philanthropic endeavor is just one facet of Leanne’s multifaceted ambition!
Leanne Wong and her other business!
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Leanne Wong’s impressive entrepreneurial journey ignited in 2018 when she stumbled upon her quintessential fashion accessory: a bow. Originally intended to enhance her gymnastics leotards, this simple accessory evolved into a full-fledged passion. A fashion class assignment to design an outfit catalyzed her creativity, allowing her to develop her signature bow and marking the beginning of a new venture.
Incorporating bows into her daily wardrobe, Leanne’s awareness of their potential expanded into a creative burst; she began crafting bows in every conceivable color. However, this new venture required balancing her demanding gymnastics schedule and academics, pushing her to pursue additional credits by enrolling in a neighboring district’s fashion class.
As she competed at various meets, Leanne’s bows became her trademark, complementing her vibrant personality while resting gracefully behind her bun. Little did she realize, her journey was becoming a source of inspiration for countless young girls who admired her drive and success. “Seeing so many young girls wear my bows now, I realize how much of an inspiration I am to them as a role model,” Leanne remarked, showcasing the profound impact she’s had on youth. It was in 2021, following her impressive success at the World Championships, that she decided to elevate her enthusiasm for bows into a legitimate business venture, launching her bow store during her winter break and taking on the role of CEO of Leanne Wong Bowtique.
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Balancing her burgeoning business alongside her elite status as a student-athlete poses a significant challenge, yet Leanne navigates this with a dedication that stems from her upbringing. Her parents, both accomplished scientists, ingrained in her the values of diligence and commitment. Her mother, Bee Ding, has been instrumental in supporting her entrepreneurial aspirations, supported by Leanne’s dad and younger brothers who contributed to the crafting process. As her bows gained popularity, Leanne’s clever marketing approached included sportingly wearing her designs during top-tier competitions, capturing the attention of both athletes and admirers. Beyond bows, Leanne co-authored the inspirational book, My Journey: Trust the Process, alongside her mom, further advocating for the values and wisdom that fueled her remarkable rise in gymnastics.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a student-athlete juggling gymnastics and academic responsibilities?
**Interview with Leanne Wong**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Leanne! It’s great to have you with us. You’ve been incredibly busy both on and off the gymnastics mat. Can you share what it’s been like balancing your commitments as a student-athlete and your philanthropic efforts with the Leanne Wong Foundation?
**Leanne Wong:** Thank you for having me! It’s definitely a challenge to balance both, but it’s also really rewarding. Being a student-athlete at the University of Florida has taught me time management skills that help me juggle gymnastics, schoolwork, and my foundation. I want to use my platform to help those in my community, especially in addressing food insecurity.
**Interviewer:** That’s inspiring! Your recent Instagram post highlighted a food donation drive where you contributed a significant amount of food to Grace Marketplace. Can you tell us more about that initiative and why it’s so important to you?
**Leanne Wong:** Absolutely! The food donation drive was a part of our ongoing efforts through the foundation. It was heartwarming to see how just a few hundred pounds of food could feed over 600 people. Food insecurity is a huge issue, and if I can help make a difference, even in a small way, I feel it’s my duty. The success of that initiative really motivates me to continue our work and find more ways to contribute.
**Interviewer:** You’ve mentioned your foundation is focused on alleviating food waste and fighting hunger. What inspired you to start this journey, and how do you envision its growth?
**Leanne Wong:** I launched the Leanne Wong Foundation on my 21st birthday, and I wanted to make the most of that milestone. Food waste and insecurity are pressing issues that often go unnoticed, and through personal experiences and research, I realized I could use my influence to help. I envision the foundation growing through partnerships with local organizations, educational programs, and events that bring awareness to these issues.
**Interviewer:** In addition to your philanthropy, you’ve been pursuing a passion for fashion, particularly with your bow accessories. How did that idea come about, and what are your plans for that venture?
**Leanne Wong:** The idea of creating bows started as a small project to match my leotards but grew into a full-fledged passion! I took a fashion class to enhance my skills and began crafting bows in different colors. I want to expand this venture by creating a line that promotes both style and purpose—potentially incorporating philanthropic elements as well!
**Interviewer:** Exciting! As a senior at UF, how do you see your future after graduation, especially in gymnastics and your business endeavors?
**Leanne Wong:** I’m focused on finishing my time at UF strong and maximizing my gymnastics career. I recently secured my spot on the U.S. Senior National Team again, which is an amazing opportunity. After graduation, I hope to combine my passions for gymnastics, fashion, and philanthropy into a career that continues to make a positive impact.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a wonderful plan! Leanne, thank you for sharing your journey and insights with us. You are truly making a difference both in sports and your community.
**Leanne Wong:** Thank you! I appreciate the support, and I’m excited about what’s to come!