Fisk alum Kiara Richmon is making her return to elite competition after 3 years, Gymnastics Now can exclusively report.

The former Bulldog is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with Jamaica at the 2026 Pan American Artistic Gymnastics Championships. She is set to compete in the all-around at the world championships and Pan American Games qualifier.

”I didn’t finish my collegiate career the way I wanted,” Richmon told GN. “So I want to be able to do this for myself, and I want to show myself that I’m better than I give myself credit for.”

Before competing in college, Richmon had already dipped her toes in elite gymnastics, competing at the 2018 and 2019 world championships.

Richmon competed at Fisk for three years from 2022-2025, earning All-American honors on bars and qualifying to USAG Nationals in 2023. That same year, she represented Jamaica at the Pan American Championships in Colombia, making her the first HBCU gymnast to compete internationally and at the elite level.

“I think before, I did it just to do it,” Richmon said when asked about her decision to make an elite comeback. “This time around, I feel like this is something I really want to do for myself.

“I love my teammates, and it just feels good to be back!”

Richmon will be sharing the floor with other collegiate stars, such as compatriots Jahzara Ranger of Michigan and Alana Walker of Stanford.

Richmon’s appearance comes after Fisk discontinued its gymnastics team after just four seasons. It was the first HBCU gymnastics team in NCAA history.

“I’m disappointed… it never should have happened.”

Richmon isn’t sure whether she’ll pursue the 2028 LA Olympics.

“Right now, I’m just focusing on my training and having fun!” she said.

For more information on Pan Ams, check out our preview story.