Every time we look at the phone, the news of someone withdrawing from the Winter Cup comes along. This time, it was a tough break for No. 5 Illinois Men’s Gymnastics, which had four athletes lined up to compete in the prestigious Winter Cup. The meet is crucial for gymnasts as it serves as a pathway to getting a spot on the USA Gymnastics Senior National Team. But, unfortunately, one of Illinois’ key athletes has been forced to withdraw after suffering an injury. Who is it this time?

This time it is Hasan Aydogdu, a standout gymnast from the University of Illinois. He has been pulled out of the Winter Cup after suffering an injury during the podium training. The news was confirmed just before the start of the meet on February 21st by USA Gymnastics ‘X’ handle. They posted, “Hasan Aydogdu has withdrawn due to an injury suffered in Podium Training.” The 18-year-old gymnast has previously been a part of the US Junior National team.

Hasan Aydogdu freshman is a promising athlete who made his Illini debut at the Windy City Invitational on January 18, 2025, where he scored his career-high on the floor (12.600), vault (13.900), parallel bars (11.500), high bars (11.050), and all around (76.050). The freshman had a banging start to the season, setting career highs on the pommel horse (13.800) against No. 2 Oklahoma on January 25 and on the still rings (13.600) against No. 4 Nebraska on January 31. Hasan Aydodgu has also been a key contributor for Illinois, as he competed in the Winter Cup in 2022 and 2023, which makes his absence a significant blow to the team.

With Aydodgu out, Illinois will now be represented at the Winter Cup by Brandon Dang, Preston Ngai, and Ian Sandoval. Two of these three gymnasts are returning competitors. Dang will be competing in his second Winter Cup. He made a name for himself last year as a freshman when he won the bronze medal on the pommel horse by scoring above 14.000. Meanwhile, Sandoval also competed in last year’s Winter Cup in the all-around competition. Ngai will be making his debut at the Winter Cup this year. He was named one of the Big Ten Gymnasts to watch during the preseason, which surely adds another layer to his performance.

While Aydodgu’s withdrawal comes as a setback for Illinois, the remaining three gymnasts will now carry the torch for the team at the Winter Cup. With experienced returners and fresh talent in Ngai, Illinois still can showcase a strong presence in the competition. As the Winter Cup unfolds, all eyes will be on these gymnasts to see how they rise to the challenge in Louisville. Along with Aydodgu, there are other gymnasts as well that won’t be able to compete in this prestigious competition. Who are they?

Along with Hasan Aydogdu, Three Other Gymnasts Have Withdrawn from the Winter Cup

Injuries and gymnastics have been partners this year! Since the start of the NCAA season, we have been witnessing injuries as well as withdrawals. And now it seems that bad luck has also hit the Winter Cup. Along with Hasan Aydodgu, three other gymnasts, Tas Hajdu, Addy Fulcher, and Gabrielle Hardie, have also withdrawn from the Winter Cup due to injuries.

Sophomore Tas Hajdu from the University of Oklahoma was among the qualified gymnasts but will no longer be competing due to a shoulder injury. The specifics of the injury have not been fully disclosed, but Oklahoma’s men’s gymnastics head coach Mark Williams confirmed that Hajdu has a sore shoulder that requires rest, forcing him to sit out of the competition.

Similarly, Addy Fulcher has also withdrawn from the event, probably due to injury. Originally, she was to compete in the junior category, but the reason behind her injury remains unclear. Speaking of stars, another rising talent had to withdraw before even getting her chance, and it was Gabrielle Hardie. The details surrounding her injury also remain unknown, but the young gymnast has faced persistent struggles, including painful shin splints and a back fracture, which have hindered her ability to upgrade her skills over the years.

With these withdrawals, the Winter Cup is already seeing a shift in its competitive lineup. While the absence of these talented gymnasts is a disappointment, the remaining competitors will have to step up and seize the opportunity. As the event unfolds, all eyes will be on those who remain in contention, ready to make their mark on the national stage.