An Olympic gymnast made a powerful statement during her floor routine this weekend … by getting on one knee and holding up her fist as a tribute to the Black Lives Matter movement.
18-year-old Luciana Alvarado is the first Costa Rican gymnast to EVER qualify for the Olympics … and used her platform to shine a light on the fight for equality.
Of course, the International Olympic Committee is allowing athletes to demonstrate at the 2020 Games in Tokyo … as long as it’s not at a medal ceremony or during competition.
Alvarado found of a loophole by including the gesture into her performance … saying she wanted to send a message of “the importance of everyone treated with respect and dignity and everyone having the same rights.”
Alvarado says it’s special to use her stage to show those fighting for equality that she stands in solidarity with them.
“Because we’re all the same,” Alvarado said, according to the AP. “And we’re all beautiful and amazing.”
Alvarado earned a 12.166 for her routine and did not advance to the finals … but certainly made the most of her time in Tokyo.
