‘It’s the best of the best’ 10-year-old gymnast from Arkansas dreams of competing at the Olympics

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – With people around the world watching the 2024 Olympics, an Arkansas 10-year-old said she is not only watching the gymnastics events but is hoping to one day compete in them.

Josie Tamashiro may only be 10, but she practices gymnastics 20 hours a week in the gym because of her love for the sport.

“It’s really cool because I get to train a lot and work really hard,” she said.

Josie’s gymnastics journey began when she was a year old, learning more than just to walk.

“I just remember bouncing around and having a good time,” the gymnast said.

She said she has won around 200 medals since competing, including two state titles.

“I got first place at Level 4 State and Level 6 State,” Josie said.

Josie said she hopes to one day take home gold on the Olympic stage.

“Getting there would be the cherry on top. It’s the best of the best,” she said. “I work really hard and being able to be recognized for that would be a big honor and a big deal.”

The young gymnast said seeing Simone Biles and Suni Lee compete in the U.S. Gymnastics Championships inspired her even more.

“It’s really cool how she (Simone Biles) has all these skills named after her and one day I want to have a skill named after me,” Josie said.

Josie said Suni Lee also inspired her after she got hurt.

“She pushed through a lot like she had an injury,” she said. “I did just break my hand and getting to know that she pushed through that made me push through that.”

Like both of the Olympians, Josie has her family in her corner, though hers is a little closer on the mat. Josie’s mother, Maggie Tamashiro, who owns Hot Springs Gymnastics, also helps her practice.

“Our whole life is pretty much gymnastics,” Maggie said.

Josie’s 8-year-old sister Samantha said it’s great training in the gym with her family.

“I really love gymnastics,” Samantha said. “They used to call me the vault queen.”

Maggie said she took both of her kids to the championships so they could dream big.

“That’s the cool thing about gymnastics is that hard work and dedication can get you to the Olympics,” she said.

As a former gymnast herself, Maggie is happy Josie is aiming so high.

“It makes me feel encouraged. I’m glad she has high aspirations, I try to be realistic with her through,” she said. “I want my kids to be happy and I want to give them every possibility of success in whatever that happiness is.”

Josie said “It’s worth it” to train so hard for a shot to represent Team USA.

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