Kailin Chio delivered a performance for the ages at LSU's final regular-season meet, etching her name in the history books with a trio of perfect 10s. LSU assistant coach Haleigh Bryant, herself a legend with 18 perfect 10s, couldn’t help but celebrate as Chio nailed her balance beam routine with flawless precision.
Chio kicked off the night with a perfect 10 on vault, took a strategic rest during the uneven bars, and then returned to stun the crowd with perfect scores on both the balance beam and floor exercise. This remarkable feat made her the first LSU gymnast to achieve three 10s in a single meet since Bryant did it back in 2023 against West Virginia.
LSU head coach Jay Clark and assistant Garrett Griffeth couldn’t help but wonder what might have been if Chio had competed on the bars. “Garrett joked, ‘If she’d done bars, she could’ve hit a 40,’” Clark shared with a smile.
Chio’s stellar performance led the No. 2-ranked Tigers to a 198.075-197.100 victory over No. 8 Arkansas at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Reflecting on the meet, Chio emphasized the team’s commitment to excellence. “In our team meeting, we talked about honoring each other with our actions,” she said.
“Competing with a free mind works for me, and I’m proud to have honored the team tonight.”
LSU wrapped up their season with an 11-3-1 record overall and a 5-3 mark in the SEC, notching their third consecutive score of 198 or better. Meanwhile, the Razorbacks closed with a 5-7-1 record and 2-5-1 in conference play.
Clark made a strategic decision to rest Chio on bars, a move he believes paid dividends. “It’s not just the physical toll; it’s the mental and emotional energy across all four events,” Clark explained. “Giving her a break helped her stay mentally sharp, and I’ll take full credit for those three 10s!”
Chio’s nine perfect 10s this season lead the nation, and she now sits second in LSU history with 10 career 10s, just behind Bryant. Her previous best was two perfect scores on vault and beam against Oklahoma.
As the Tigers look ahead to the SEC championships in Tulsa, Chio is confident in her team’s potential. “We’ve got way more in the tank. This is a team that can win it all,” she asserted.
The meet also saw standout performances from Konnor McClain, who took home the bars title with a 9.95, and Arkansas’ Hailey Klein, who won the all-around with a 39.525.
LSU will next compete in the SEC championships on March 21, with eyes set on the NCAA regionals in April. The Tigers are poised for a deep postseason run, and if Chio’s performance is any indication, they’re ready to make some serious noise.
Meet Scores:
- #2 LSU - 198.075
- Vault: 49.525 - Bars: 49.375
- Beam: 49.475 - Floor: 49.700
- #8 Arkansas - 197.100
- Vault: 49.375 - Bars: 48.800
- Beam: 49.500 - Floor: 49.425
Individual Highlights:
- All-around: 1. Allison Cucci, Arkansas, 39.525
- Vault: 1. Kailin Chio, LSU, 10.0
- Bars: 1. Konnor McClain, LSU, 9.95
- Beam: 1. Kailin Chio, LSU, 10.0
- Floor: 1. Kailin Chio, LSU, 10.0
LSU is on a roll, and the gymnastics world better take note. With Chio leading the charge, the Tigers are a force to be reckoned with.