TAMPA, Fla. — Like most people who watch Simone Biles, the Companioni sisters are in awe.

She put on a show in the Paris Olympics, winning yet another all-around gold medal to become the most decorated U.S. gymnast ever.

“There will never be another one like her,” Lisa Companioni said.

When it comes to gymnastics, these two sisters know the sport very well. Lisa, the oldest, rose to elite level status and then competed for the University of North Carolina. Lauren made it to Level 10 and then took her talents to Louisiana State University. Growing up and training at LaFleur’s Gymnastics and Tampa Bay Turners, they won state and national titles.

“I think the sport, it’s the team camaraderie,” Lisa said. “And everything about becoming a leader, taking a team to levels that they have never been to before.”

“It also taught me how to fail and how to work through failure and how that is a huge part of success,” Lauren said.

These ladies had a lot of success. Their ultimate honor, both sisters are in the Region 8 Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Lisa was inducted in 2021 and Lauren is a part of the recent 2024 class.

“Being recognized as part of that elite group in the country, in the region, it’s pretty special,” Lisa said. “And to be in it with my sister, I think, is the most special."

Lisa and Lauren have passed the gymnastics bug onto their daughters. The sisters are hoping their girls get just as much out of the sport as they did. They want them to have fun and learn valuable life lessons.

“It teaches them discipline,” Lauren said. “It teaches them body movement, body awareness, strength, hard work, mental toughness. Even if they don’t continue with the sport later on, I really feel like it gives you a leg up.”