"Inspired and moved" - Aly Raisman cherishes Costa Rica vacation; shares breathtaking views from her visit

Modified Dec 22, 2024 17:03 GMT

Aly Raisman was in awe of Costa Rica and its people and culture following a week-long vacation in the Central American country. The former Olympic champion has been supporting women's gymnastics following her retirement.

Raisman recently shared a series of pictures from her vacation and could be seen having a great time with friend and former gymnast Norah Flatley. The 30-year-old was left in awe of the country after exploring its stunning beaches and lush green meadows.

She also claimed to be inspired and moved by Costa Ricans and their culture, and expressing her gratitude, she wrote:

"Costa Rica 💚 I have always heard the most wonderful things about Costa Rica. I can’t even begin to share how inspired & moved I am by the people, the culture, the traditions, the love, the respect they have for each other, the animals, the planet. I learned so much & will always cherish my days there. Thank you Costa Rica 💚."

Raisman made her Olympic debut at the 2012 London Olympics and won three medals including two gold to become one of the most popular gymnasts in the country. She bagged three more gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and before announcing her retirement in 2020, she had amassed four world medals as well.

The 30-year-old made her commentary debut earlier this year with ESPN during the coverage of the 2024 NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships. She later served as a contributor for Olympics.com at the Paris Olympics, interviewing Simone Biles and more American gymnasts

Aly Raisman shares Simone Biles' heartbreaking confession from the 2024 Paris Olympics

HBO's Official Golden Globe Awards After Party - Aly Raisman poses with Simone Biles - Source: Getty

As the USA women's gymnastics team was competing during the qualification round at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simone Biles experienced pain in her calf and was visibly struggling. However, unlike the 2020 Tokkyo Olympics when she withdrew due to twisties, Biles continued to compete.

The seven-time Olympic champion was asked by Aly Raisman afterward about how she had gotten back to the mat. However, upon hearing Biles' side of the story, Raisman claimed she was heartbroken.

"Gymnastics is dangerous as it is and honestly I do not know how she continued to go but she said something to me after the competition that will always stick with me and that really broke my heart. And I asked her, 'How did you do it when you were in so much pain?' and she said ' I couldn't have people tell me that I was a quitter again,'" Aly Raisman said in 'Simone Biles: Rising' docuseriues

The duo competed together at the 2016 Rio Olympics, winning a gold medal in the team competition. Biles won the individual all-around and floor titles at the event with Raisman finishing runner-up behind her in both disciplines.