The US men’s gymnastics team endured a unique highlight entering one of the most prestigious events of the gymnastics field. The team interestingly comprised 3 debutants at the Worlds alongside the experienced Yul Moldauer, and Asher Hong. Contrary to what one might believe, it was the former of the group that led into the 2023 World Gymnastics Championship head first; attaining a team bronze and two individual medals – first in over a decade.

Contributing to the reigning early success of the team was Khoi Young, the 20-year-old Stanford gymnast. Young, beginning from day 1 maintained dominance on the Pommel Horse, placing second, with 15.066. The youngster furthering the momentum, climbed the podium in the said apparatus during the final leg of the Worlds. Khoi was caught for a quick interview with Gymnastics Now returning victor from the event.

The rising gymnastics talent goes candid in the interview

On the 7th of October, the Gymnastics Now account caught up with Khoi Young for a quick chat. The interviewer discussing matters on the Worlds 2023, stood to receive a candid response from the Pommel Horse silver medallist. After listening to Young’s thoughts on his remarkable feat, the interviewer asked the youngster what he planned to do going back home. He asked if Young would first celebrate and then focus on Paris 2024, but he had different ideas.

Replying to the posed question, Young said, “Yeah, I just want to hang out with my homies back at Stanford. I miss those guys so much.” But the gymnast quickly getting back to his career notions said, “There’s a lot of refinement that I wanna go back and do, you know, better swings, cleaner legs, cleaner toes, a lot of small details I think I need to pick up on, so that’s the goal.” 

Khoi Young as a debutant had a marvelous opening to his career. Starting right from the qualifier’s round, the youngster made sure that the people knew what he was there to focus on; breaking the weak apparatus streak that the nation held.

Khoi Young reveals primary focus

Through his time at the 2023 Worlds, Khoi Young attained matters out of focus for many. The Pommel Horse has been considered a weak apparatus for the US team. However, breaking the nuance, Young scored the first big one for the team on the mentioned apparatus placing second with 14.966. The difficulty rate for the skill was rated at 6.500, higher than that of the leading gymnast. Interestingly, the highlight of his win did not just lie on his silver but the gymnast he battled against.

Max Whitlock is a renowned name in the industry and is deemed the most successful Pommel Horse gymnast; with 5 titles in the apparatus in the Olympics and the Worlds. Young now rising to the challenge managed to defeat the British placing him 5th on the table. Talking about his performance on the apparatus, he revealed that he knew it was a possibility that the Pommel Horse would be a potential win. “Absolutely, I know that I am one of the best on horse in the US. You know getting scored in the US, my good routines, I know it’s on par with the rest of the world, so I know it’s a possibility.”, the gymnast stated.

Also Read: “Wasn’t Just Me”: Fred Richard Steps Away From Glory Despite Giving America the Podium at World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2023

The 20-year-old Stanford student has just witnessed the beginning of his upward trajectory. With his continued persistence and determination, the fans await his presence in Paris 2024 though the roster remains unknown.

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