A name that resonates in the gymnastics world for more than just her athletic ability, Jalynne Dantzscher is also known as an advocate and has strong family values. Born on December 26, 1988, in California, Jalynne grew up in a family of athletes – her older sister, Jamie Dantzscher, was a U.S. Olympian gymnast. Jalynne has always been passionate about gymnastics from a young age, and her journey in the sport has been marked by determination, resilience, and a deep love for family.
Early Life and Gymnastics Career
Jalynne started gymnastics due to her older sister’s accomplishments in the sport. Her family valued athleticism so she took an interest in gymnastics as a child. As Jalynne developed her skills, it became evident that she was a natural talent, gifted with power and grace.
Throughout her youth, she competing at various levels in gymnastics. Her focus and commitment made her a standout performer whose work ethic and abilities were recognized. Jalynne’s success earned her a scholarship to UCLA, a school known for its strong gymnastics program, where she could compete at a higher level while studying as well.
At UCLA, Jalynne was on a dominant gymnastics team with some of the best in the country. But injuries cut short her competitive gymnastics career – a common problem among gymnasts who put immense physical strain on their bodies. Although her career did not follow her sister Jamie’s Olympic path, Jalynne still had a passion for the sport and has since shifted her focus on other things.
Life beyond Gymnastics: Family and Advocacy
After gymnastics, Jalynne’s life took another path, one that would be just as fulfilling. She is married to MLB player Brandon Crawford, and they have four children together- three daughters and one son. Family is an important part of Jalynne’s life and she posts moments of her family’s journey on social media, highlighting both the joys and challenges of motherhood.
In addition to being a wife and mother, Jalynne has also become a health advocate. She openly discusses her own struggles with health, including a rare medical condition called Factor V Leiden, a blood clotting disorder that has impacted her pregnancies. Jalynne has used her platform to advocate for women with the same health issues.
Jalynne advocates for issues beyond her own health experiences. Like her sister Jamie, she has worked for athlete safety, accountability in gymnastics, and for justice for abuse survivors in the sport. Her advocacy work reflects her empathy and responsibility as she continues to speak up for others.
A Life of Resilience
Jalynne Dantzscher’s journey is one of resilience, both in her athletic career and in her personal life. Injuries and major health struggles aside, she has been a strength for her family and an advocate for important causes. How she transitioned from a high-level athlete to a mother, wife, and advocate shows her adaptability and determination.
