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Illini gymnast matches personal mark, then encourages COVID vaccinations

Evan Manivong displayed his vaccination card after landing his vault in a meet against Minnesota.

By Gene Farris
University of Illinois gymnast Evan Manivong displays his COVID-19 vaccination card during a meet last month.
University of Illinois gymnast Evan Manivong displays his COVID-19 vaccination card during a meet last month.
University of Illinois/Twitter

University of Illinois gymnast Evan Manivong found a unique way to encourage people to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Manivong tied a career high on the vault last month in a meet against Minnesota, scoring 14.750. After sticking the landing, he pulled out a card from his uniform, displaying it to everyone in the arena.

“It’s my vaccination card... go get vaccinated everyone!” he tweeted afterward.

Of course, Twitter took note and began praising the sophomore from Kansas City, Mo.

The Athletic’s Olivia Witherite called the move “the ultimate flex.”

And other Illini fans added to the Manivong’s call to get vaccinated.

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