Elena Shinohara

 Biography

Elena Shinohara is a Japanese-born American rhythmic gymnast, social media influencer, and aspiring medical professional. Born on April 6, 2000, in Saitama, Japan, she moved to the United States with her family when she was just five months old. Now 25 years old, Elena resides in Irvine, California, where she continues to inspire many through her athletic prowess and engaging online presence.​

Early Life and Family Background

Elena's passion for rhythmic gymnastics is deeply rooted in her family. Her mother, Nancy Shinohara, is a former member of the Japanese national rhythmic gymnastics team and serves as Elena's head coach. Her father, Minoru "Shino" Shinohara, is an associate professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, specializing in neuromuscular physiology. He also contributes to Elena's training by applying his scientific expertise to enhance her performance. Growing up in Suwanee, Georgia, Elena was immersed in an environment that balanced academic excellence with athletic discipline.​

Education and Academic Pursuits

Elena graduated from Collins Hill High School in 2018 and went on to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she majored in biochemistry. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with elite-level gymnastics, she exemplified dedication and time management. Her academic journey reflects her aspiration to pursue a career in medicine, with plans to attend medical school and specialize in dermatology after concluding her gymnastics career.​

Gymnastics Career

Elena began her journey in rhythmic gymnastics in 2006. Her talent quickly became evident, leading to her selection for the Junior U.S. National Team in 2015. She made her international debut at the 2018 Luxembourg Cup, achieving notable placements: fourth in ball, fifth in ribbon, and seventh in hoop. In 2019, she competed in the Amsterdam Masters, securing a silver medal in the all-around and a gold medal in hoop. Her consistent performances earned her a spot on the Senior U.S. National Team the same year.​

Elena's accolades include being named the USA Gymnastics Sportsperson of the Year in both 2019 and 2021, a recognition voted on by her peers for her sportsmanship and contributions to the sport. She has competed in various national and international competitions, consistently placing in top positions and demonstrating her skill and dedication to rhythmic gymnastics.​

Social Media Influence

Beyond the gymnastics arena, Elena has cultivated a significant presence on social media platforms. She began sharing her gymnastics routines and flexibility tutorials on TikTok in March 2020, amassing over 5 million followers. Her YouTube channel, active since December 2007, boasts over 1.24 million subscribers and more than 760 million views as of December 2023. Through these platforms, Elena educates and inspires a global audience, promoting the art of rhythmic gymnastics and physical fitness.​

Coaching and Mentorship

In addition to her competitive and online endeavors, Elena has contributed to the gymnastics community as a coach and judge. From August 2016 to April 2022, she coached junior gymnasts at Rhythmic Brains, choreographing routines for levels 3–9. Since March 2017, she has served as a USA Rhythmic Gymnastics Judge, participating in events such as the Junior Olympics National Competition. Her commitment to mentoring young athletes underscores her dedication to the growth and development of rhythmic gymnastics.​

Personal Interests and Multicultural Identity

Elena's multicultural background enriches her perspective and outreach. Fluent in both Japanese and English, she embraces her heritage and shares it with her audience. Outside of gymnastics, she enjoys gaming and streaming on Twitch, where she combines her interests in fitness and entertainment. Her diverse interests and talents make her a multifaceted individual, connecting with a broad audience across various platforms.​

Elena Shinohara's journey from a young gymnast to an influential figure in both athletics and digital media exemplifies resilience, versatility, and a commitment to excellence. Her story continues to inspire aspiring gymnasts and fans worldwide.