Get To Know Olympic Gymnast Leanne Wong’s Parents
Leanne Wong is a 17-year-old Olympic gymnast. She began her professional career in 2017 when she qualified as an elite gymnast at the Parkettes National Qualifier.
Since then, she has been a promising face in the world of sports. She won the 2018 National Junior all-around championship as well as the 2019 American Cup champion.
Wong has accomplished a lot at a young age, however, she is not the only one who is talented in her family. Both her parents are research scientists.
Leanne Wong's Parents And Siblings
Leanne was born on September 3, 2003, to Marco Wong and Bee Ding. Wong has two younger brothers - Michael and Brendan.
Marco got his B. S from California State University and M. D and Ph.D. from Wayne State University School of Medicine. From 2003 to 2006, he worked at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research as a Post-doctoral Research Associate.
There, he researched the genetic and molecular analysis of stem cells and germ cell development. Marco has been working as a Medical Director since 2006.
He worked with Proteon Therapeutics for over 13 years. He served as a Physician-Scientist / Senior Scientist, Research and Development from April 2006 to January 2009.
Similarly, from January 2009 to January 2011, he worked as the company’s Associate Director for Research and Development. Lastly, he served as the Medical Director and Clinical Researcher for over eight years, from January 2011 to September 2019.
After 13 years at Proteon Therapeutics, Marco joined the Omeros Corporation as a Senior Medical Director. He worked at the company from November 2019 to March 2021.
Not much is known about Leanne’s mother, Ding, except that she is also a research scientist. Along with her job, Ding is invested in her daughter’s career.
She completely supports Leanne’s interests and hobbies. For example, Ding used to constantly make the 45-minute drive back and forth from Leanne's practices in order to give her daughter the best training.
Leanne Wong and Olympics
In 2021, Wong was selected as a member of the United States' women's national gymnastics team. As a result, she was chosen for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in St. Louis, Missouri.
Wong secured eighth place in the all-around and second on-floor exercise, which opened her a place in the US Gymnastics Olympic Team as a replacement.
The official six members of the Team representing the USA in the Tokyo Olympics are Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, Grace McCallum, Jade Carey, and MyKayla Skinner.
Recently news about Wong not being vaccinated started surfacing. Her parents have not yet decided to vaccinate their child against the deadly COVID-19 virus.
According to Sarah Hirshland, the CEO of the U.S. Olympic Paralympic Committee, vaccination is not mandatory. Regardless, it is encouraged.
The 2020 Summer Olympic Games will be conducted in Tokyo, Japan, from July 23 to August 8, 2021. However, amidst the ongoing pandemic, the anticipated event will be carried out with full precautions and prevention.
Athletes will be tested daily to minimize the risk of the spread of the virus upon arrival and departure in Japan as per the International Olympic Committee’s rulebook outlining protocols for the Games.
Similarly, anyone who is tested positive will not be allowed to compete.