“You crushed my dreams” – Serena Williams blames father Richard for forcing her to pursue tennis over gymnastics in hilarious confession

Serena Williams (L), and with her father Richard Williams (R). (Photos: Getty)Serena Williams (L), and with her father Richard Williams (R). (Photos: Getty)

Serena Williams shared an entertaining story about how her dream of entering the world of gymnastics was shut down by her father, Richard Williams. In the latest episode of her podcast with sister Venus Williams, Stockton Street, the siblings were in conversation with track-and-field star Gabby Thomas.

The spotlight soon turned on the 23-time Major champion, who revealed she had her sights set on being a gymnast as a back-up plan. However, her father was having none of it.

“I desperately wanted to be a gymnast. One day my dad was like, ‘What would you do if it doesn’t work out in tennis?’ I would say, ‘I want to be a gymnast’. One day my dad took me aside and he’s like, ‘You can’t say that anymore’. I was also like 10 years old. When I tell you I was devastated, my heart sank, and I felt like, ‘You crushed my dreams of being a gymnast!’” Serena Williams said.

Venus Williams elaborated on why their father was right. Her younger sister had already grown too tall, and one needs to get into gymnastics as early as possible. However, it all worked out in the end.

“She was already too tall, and you have to start really young. The ship had sailed, in the right direction though. Right straight to Flushing around the corner,” Venus Williams said.

Williams’ dedicated her life to tennis and won her maiden Major singles title at the US Open 1999 while being 17 years old. It was the first of her record 23 Major titles. She set numerous other records during her career and eventually retired in 2022 with one last appearance at the US Open.

Aside from Gabby Thomas, the Williams sisters also had a chat with Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and Sha’carri Richardson. They were able to gather three of the fastest women on the planet thanks to Athlos 2025, a track-and-field event created by Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian. It took place last month, and the former World No. 1 was in attendance as well.

Serena Williams steals the spotlight at Athlos 2025

Serena Williams at Athlos 2025. (Photo: Getty)Serena Williams at Athlos 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, came up with the idea of Athlos in order to promote women’s sports. The second edition of the track-and-field event took place last month.

Williams was in attendance to support her husband’s endeavor, grabbing eyeballs with her stylish ensemble for the night. She also took a central role in the proceedings, crowning the winners in Tiffany crowns.

This year’s edition of Athlos was a massive success, and surpassed the debut edition in every metric. Brittany Brown, Masai Russel, and Tara Davis-Woodhall were among this year’s winners.