Andrew Chupp’s Britney Spears mashup went viral, even catching the attention of longtime Britney Spears choreographer Brian Friedman. But the routine also drew hundreds of angry comments from strangers furious about a man competing in women’s gymnastics events. Host John Corella brings on Andrew, an adult gymnast, photographer, and coach with more than a decade of coaching experience who now specializes in optional-level gymnastics, for a conversation on Dance Dad recorded ahead of his trip to the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia.
Andrew explains how he answers the people who say beam is not his to use, and what changed the night he had a dream that sent him back into training after years away from the sport. He also shares the comments he hears whenever he posts himself on beam and the tools that help him keep online backlash in perspective, plus the injury that had him nervous about being ready for Spain and the Gay Games.
John and Andrew talk about what happens when male gymnasts challenge old ideas about masculinity and femininity, why more gyms are making room for adult gymnastics, and how organizations like AAU, NAIGC, and NGA are creating ways for adults to compete, and what it means for LGBTQ+ athletes in sports to compete without hiding who they are. Andrew has become one of the more visible faces of adult gymnastics and of men competing in women’s gymnastics events, and he does not soften the parts of the conversation that make people uncomfortable.
Press play for a conversation about beam, boldness, and what it actually costs to stay in a sport that was not built with you in mind.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Welcoming Andrew Chupp To The Meet
02:02 Previewing The 2026 Gay Games In Valencia
04:51 A Man Competing In Women's Gymnastics Events
05:35 Andrew's Childhood Gymnastics and Being Forced Into Boys’ Events
10:22 The Dream That Brought Him Back
14:18 The Viral Britney Spears Floor Routine
16:31 Backlash, Trans Athletes, and the Olympics Debate
25:19 Healing Gymnastics Trauma As An Adult
44:18 Closing The Access Gaps In Adult Gymnastics
49:47 Safe Spaces, Vulnerability, and Family Acceptance
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Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
