In a sport where loyalty and long-term planning are often baked into early recruiting, twin gymnasts Annalisa and Malea Milton just reminded everyone that until pen hits paper, nothing is final. The Missouri-based sisters, training out of the elite GAGE facility had long been considered Arkansas-bound. That is, until LSU came knocking. And when the Tigers made their offer, the twins flipped. In a bold and unexpected move, the Miltons announced their commitment to LSU’s 2026 class, a decision that not only strengthens the Tigers’ pipeline but leaves Arkansas scrambling to fill a sudden void.

Annalisa, a 4-star recruit per College Gym News, and Malea, equally talented with international ambitions, had been carving their way through the Level 10 ranks since 2019. Their rise was delayed by COVID disruptions, but by 2021, Annalisa was already placing top 5 at major competitions, tying for the bars title at regionals and snagging second on beam at nationals. Together, the Miltons aren’t just standout individuals. They’re a package deal, one that now belongs to LSU. And with dreams of wearing red, white, and blue for Team USA someday, this is a story that’s just getting started.

All Things Gymnastics Podcast took to X highlighting, “This week, identical twins Annalisa & Malea Milton join us to talk all about their college recruiting journey!” And what a journey it’s been! Full of twists, detours, and a final destination that’s got LSU fans fired up. While Annalisa and Malea Milton may share the same DNA and training background, their paths through elite gymnastics have shown just how differently talent can develop. But here’s the plot twist that sent shockwaves through the recruiting world: the Miltons had been all set to visit Arkansas. Until LSU entered the chat. In one unforgettable moment, everything changed. “(Jay) was like, ‘Well I’m about to mess that up for you right now. Would you guys like to be Tigers?’ We were like, ‘Yes please!’” Malea recalled. “I almost started crying,” added Annalisa. It was raw, real, and a moment they’ll never forget.

Annalisa, the more decorated of the two, hasn’t had quite the same standout moments since stepping into the senior elite world in 2023, but don’t let that fool you. She’s still delivering when it counts. Her 5th place vault finish at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic and an 8th place vault showing at the Xfinity U.S. Championships prove that her power and consistency are still trending upward. For LSU, she’s not just a future roster name. She’s a potential anchor on vault and a legitimate contender for national impact. From a pure upside standpoint, Annalisa might just be the program’s next breakout star. Malea, a 3-star recruit, has carved out her own story. One that’s been more of a slow burn than an explosive rise.

While early results at regionals and her Winter Cup debut didn’t turn heads, 2022 marked a turning point. She started climbing the leaderboard with strong performances at the American Classic and U.S. Classic, highlighted by a top-4 finish in the all-around and a 3rd place on vault. But her true standout moment came in 2023 when she claimed the beam title at the American Classic. The twins had official visits lined up with Oregon State and Cal, but it was LSU that sealed the deal. And now, Baton Rouge has one of the most exciting sister acts in the nation headed its way.

Milton twins, teammates at GAGE, take Olympic inspiration from 2024 gold

The ripple effect of Team USA’s gold medal win in women’s gymnastics at the 2024 Olympics felt all the way in Kansas City. Especially at the powerhouse gym GAGE. For the athletes training there, the triumph isn’t just inspiring, it’s fuel. Among those laser-focused on the future are twin elites Malea and Annalisa Milton, who have already committed to LSU and are looking far beyond the NCAA stage. “We know it’s going to take a lot of hard work and continuing to push ourselves every day, but we’re excited for the future,” said Malea Milton. For the Milton sisters and their teammate, Olympic Trials competitor Eveylynn Lowe, the dream is clear: Los Angeles 2028.

That Olympic vision isn’t limited to the veterans. It’s contagious. Junior elite gymnast Lavi Crain and Level 9 standout Tenley Wade. Both the young talents from GAGE are already aiming for their own Olympic paths. The culture within the gym isn’t just about mastering skills. It’s about legacy. With each athlete setting their goals against the backdrop of U.S. Olympic greatness, GAGE is quickly becoming more than a training facility. It’s a launchpad. And with the 2028 Games on home soil, the timeline feels urgent. And more real than ever for these rising stars.

Even as the gymnastics world orbits its own headlines, the ripple of Olympic inspiration stretches across all sports. A perfect parallel can be found in LSU’s Bryce Underwood drama. The five-star quarterback, who shocked the football world with a high-profile commitment flip due to NIL dealings, recently shut down rumors of a return to LSU. “Lol, y’all say anything on social media,” Underwood posted on his Instagram story, brushing off the speculation. Whether it’s NIL-fueled football stardom or the grind toward Olympic gymnastics, one thing rings true. Today’s young athletes are making big moves. And they’re doing it with boldness, clarity, and an eye on the biggest stages imaginable.