Gabi Rooker – From Gymnastics Mat to Olympic track
Former UWL gymnast turned marathon runner speeds her way to Olympic Trials this winter
As a UW-La Crosse gymnast Gabi Rooker set goals every day. Whether reducing wobble on the beam or perfecting the end of a twist, Rooker made goal setting a habit with the help of her former UWL Gymnastics coach, Barbara Gibson.
Today, Rooker, ’10, is still setting goals; her next big one is to go to the Olympics in Paris, France.
Rooker is a former gymnast with national titles, yet she appears to be an even stronger runner. She’ll be in the Olympic Trails this February in Orlando, Florida, in the marathon. The top three finishers go on to the Olympics in August 2024.