Heroic Gymnasts Continue Routine In Absolute Darkness During Sudden Power Outage

You often hear athletes talk about how they practice so much, they could perform under any conditions—in the cold, in the heat, in the rain, in their sleep.

But what about in the dark? This weekend at the 2018 USA Gymnastics Championships—the national championships for the rhythmic, acrobatic gymnastics, and trampoline disciplines—two gymnasts competing in the women’s pair competition were performing their routine, dancing across the floor, when the arena in Greensboro suddenly went completely dark.

By the time the house lights came back on, the pair was in a difficult pose, with one lifting the other overhead with straight arms.

I agree with John Cheng, the USA Gymnastics photographer who caught this moment and posted—extra bonus points should be given for continuing your routine in total darkness.