Three-time Olympian Blaine Wilson has worn many hats over the years within the gymnastics community – athlete, coach, gym owner; but perhaps none are as stressful as the one he’s wearing now: gym dad. On Thursday, August 6th, the man in the blue baseball cap could be seen pacing the rows of section 102 as his son, Jackson, took to the floor of the U.S. National Gymnastics Championships for the first time. 

Photo: Integrity Athletics

Jackson’s gymnastics career started in the way that so many children of gym owners do: by proximity. Following his competitive career, Blaine took over Integrity Gymnastics in Ohio. That provided the perfect place for Jackson to be surrounded by gymnastics, though Blaine emphasized it was always Jackson’s choice whether or not to become a gymnast. 

Jackson took to the sport Blaine once dominated and loved it. Blaine sought to encourage his son and to give him the world, but he always knew: “The only thing I couldn’t do is coach him.”

When I sat down with the Olympic medalist after the first day of the 2026 U.S. Junior National Gymnastics Championships concluded, he insisted that this weekend was all about his son, Jackson. He made sure to keep Jackson the center of the conversation—and to make sure the world knew that his dad isn’t the only 1996 Olympian in the family. Jackson’s mom, Aliane Baquerot (rhythmic) is an Olympian too!

Jackson’s day at the U.S. National Gymnastics Championships was a mixed bag. The competition started well on vault where his Kas 1.5 put him into first place heading into day 2 of competition on that event; however the second half of the competition left him with room to improve. He said in post-meet interviews, “It was fun to come out for the first time ever. I didn’t do everything I wanted but the start was good.” 

Just as Blaine made sure to not focus on himself, his son did the same, noting his dad’s widespread achievements. He mentioned how proud he was to be competing at the same competition where his dad was being honored, and the balance it’s provided to the weekend. 

The 2026 Championships are serving two purposes for the Wilson family: they serve as a true championships for Jackson, and also serve to honor the 30 year reunion of the 1996 Olympic Artistic Gymnastics teams. Blaine stated, “As a family, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime [experience] to be honored at the same time as he [Jackson] makes his first one [U.S. Gymnastics Championshipships]. "

And though Blaine is grateful for the recognition he will receive Saturday alongside his Olympic teammates, he reminds me that he will still be in the stands as a dad focusing on his son because “This is his time. I had mine 30 years ago.”

Article by: Kensley Behel

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