Leanne Wong's Olympic Journey: Essential Tips, Must-Haves, and Simone Biles’ Advice

We interviewed Leanne Wong because we think you'll like her picks. Leanne is a paid spokesperson for Sanzo and Hally. Leanne’s Bowtique is Leanne’s business. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.

Leanne Wong is a true powerhouse, effortlessly juggling her gymnastics career, college life, and her growing hair bow business, Leanne’s Bowtique. 

In an exclusive E! interview, she shares some great tips on staying organized, managing time, and preparing for the Olympics as an alternate on Team USA. Leanne discusses how she handles stress during competitions, including some inspiring advice she received from Simone Biles at the Olympic Trials.  

Leanne also spills on her beverage collaboration with Sanzo, noting, “Sanzo celebrates Asian flavors and culture which is important to me, so when they reached out about collaborating, I was in.” She loves how their Calamansi Sparkling Water fits into her daily routine, whether she's hitting the books or unwinding after a long practice.

From overcoming early challenges to her favorite beauty products and self-care tips, Leanne’s story blends hard work, smart strategies, and a lot of heart. 

Leanne Wong's Must-Haves

"I use L’Oreal’s Telescopic Waterproof Mascara every day. It’s super easy to use and gives my eyelashes a nice lift in the morning."

"We collaborated on Sanzo's Calamansi flavor. It is the perfect balance of the Calamansi fruit, which is native to The Philippines and referred to as the 'Golden Lime.'"

"Their sparkling waters are made with real fruit juice and aren’t packed with sugar, so I know I’m enjoying a drink that is healthy and refreshing."

"My favorite sports bra is Nike’s Dri-FIT Indy one. It’s a must-have because it provides light support, is soft, comfortable, and has skinny straps over the shoulders."

"There are so many great ways to recover post-competition such as foam rolling, cold plunges, massage guns, and using Hyperice’s products."

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E!: What hair products do you use to have the perfect bun that never falls out of place when you compete? 
LW: I always use water, gel, hairspray, at least six hair ties, one scrunchie, and my hair bow to put my practice and meet hair up.

"I’ve recently added extra sparkle and rhinestones to my hair on top of my glittery bow and bedazzled scrunchie with Hally Hair’s new Glitter Shade Stix, gem pen, and hair gems."

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Leanne Wong's Bowtique

E!: What challenges did you face growing Leanne’s Bowtique from a dorm room startup to a successful brand, and how did you overcome them?
LW: A challenge I faced growing the Leanne Wong Bowtique in my dorm room was being limited in space. The living room turned into a T-shirt factory and my bedroom became the bow factory.

E!: How do you manage your time between training as a gymnast, studying in college, running your business, and everything else? 
LW: I prioritize school and gymnastics and enjoy managing my business in my free time. I try to be productive whenever I can and whenever I can kill two birds with one stone.

For example, in long car rides or on plane rides I will try to get school assignments, interviews, or anything I can do on my phone done.

"One of my favorite bows is my Golden Birthday Bow which is light pink and the same color as my first bow that I ever made with a gold stripe in the middle of it. Light pink and gold are two of my favorite colors."

More From Leanne: "I love so many of my bows because they can be made in any color to match all my leotards. I love getting to design matching bows for my leotards and communicating with my customers, the gymnasts, and their moms to help them find the perfect bow for their leotards."

Leanne Wong's Travel Must-Haves

How do you stay organized when packing for competitions?
LW: It’s challenging for me to stay organized when packing, but I’ve started to pack my clothes somewhat in order. For example, on our short away competition trips, I like to pack my clothes in the order that I will wear them and put the clothes I will wear last on the bottom.

What are your top must-have items to bring on a flight to ensure a smooth travel experience?
LW: My top must-have items I like to have on a flight to ensure a smooth travel experience are a warm sweatshirt, long pants, and a blanket to get some good sleep.

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Preparing for the Olympics

What’s the best advice you’ve received from another Team USA gymnast?
LW:  I’ve received so many great pieces of advice, but most recently before Day 2 of the Olympic Trials Simone talked to all of the competitors, reminded us why and how we made it there, to soak in every moment, and take a moment to realize a team will be named at the end of the night and some will be named as alternates but the alternates have one of the most important roles on a team.

E!: How do you prioritize mental wellness during competition?
LW: Mental wellness is crucial during times of competition because stress levels are the highest, so it’s all about finding what works for you. I like to find time to do outside the hotel room, walk around, and talk to friends and family back home. 

E!: How do you handle stress during competition time?
LW: The techniques I use to handle stress are taking deep breaths, staying calm, and trusting my training. I know I’ve done my skills and routines hundreds of times, and my body knows what to do. 

If you want more wellness tips, you'll love these insights from Camille Kostek.