BREAKING: Scotts Valley’s Nathan Swanepoel has just clinched a silver medal for Team USA at the 31st Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) World Age Group Competitions held on Sunday at Navarra Arena in Pamplona, Spain. Competing in his first international event, Swanepoel achieved an impressive score of 25.100 in the Men’s Double-Mini Trampoline for athletes aged 17 to 21.
This victory is monumental not just for Swanepoel but also for USA Gymnastics, as athletes from 46 countries participated in this prestigious championship. Swanepoel expressed his excitement on Instagram, stating, “I am beyond happy with how my first World Age Group Competition went… I have so much gratitude for the opportunity to compete in Spain for the U.S. and I am very thankful for the support from all of my coaches and medical staff.”
In a fierce competition, Canada’s Jeremy Meyer took home the gold with a score of 25.200, while Australia’s River Mallam secured the bronze with 24.900.
Swanepoel, who trains at North Valley Gymnastics in Phoenix and attends Arizona State University, began his gymnastics journey in 2013 under coach Vernon Vargas at Vargas Academy of Gymnastics. His remarkable performance signals a bright future in the sport.
Additionally, fellow gymnast Taj Rodriguez Gleitsman from Santa Cruz, an Aptos High alum, competed in three events at the same championships. The University of Utah student finished 19th out of 87 athletes in the Individual Men’s Trampoline prelims, with only the top eight advancing to the finals. He also teamed up with Changamire Anderson in the Men’s Synchronized Pair Trampoline, where they placed 15th out of 33 teams in the prelims.
This thrilling achievement by Swanepoel not only highlights individual talent but also showcases the strength of American gymnastics on the world stage. As the competition wraps up, all eyes are on the next generation of gymnasts, and the excitement continues to build for upcoming events.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!
