Who is UGA gymnast Harley Tomlin and why is everyone talking about her dad?

On Jan. 25, Harlyn “Harley” Tomlin made her college debut as a freshman for the University of Georgia’s gymnastics team.

The young athlete put up impressive numbers on beam, earning a 9.850.

“Just the energy in this arena, the fans, the atmosphere, and being able to confidently navigate the balance beam is quite impressive,” one of the SEC Network announcers said during Tomlin’s routine.

After landing her dismount, she was met with applause from her teammates and her new coach.

Tomlin and her fellow teammates are under new leadership this year. Cecile Canqueteau-Landi was named the Bulldogs co-head coach just before this year’s summer Olympics in Paris.

Canqueteau-Landi is best known for coaching legendary gymnast Simone Biles.

But Canqueteau-Landi isn’t the only Bulldog on the team with impressive ties. Tomlin is the daughter of longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

Although Mike Tomlin doesn’t often talk about his personal life, his Instagram proves how proud he is to be a father of three.

In June, Mike Tomlin celebrated his youngest child’s graduation, sharing a photo on Instagram, writing, “So proud on my little girl for graduating. Now on to the next step, even if Dad isn’t ready for it.”

And in November 2023, Mike Tomlin celebrated Harley Tomlin’s signing day, calling his daughter the “best athlete in the house no doubt.”

“He said it not me,” Harley Tomlin responded. “Tomlin of the Year 2023.”

Mike Tomlin’s sons, Dino and Mason Tomlin, are also college athletes. Dino Tomlin plays football for Boston College and Mason Tomlin plays for Columbia University.

Mike Tomlin shared words of encouragement last week on Harley Tomlin’s Instagram, commenting “Let’s go” under her latest post.

“...and so it begins,” Harley Tomlin said.

This story was originally published January 27, 2025 at 12:26 PM with the headline "Who is UGA gymnast Harley Tomlin and why is everyone talking about her dad?."