Sporting events are more than just displays of elite level performances. They are the result of hard work, dedication, discipline, sacrifice, and pride. However, there are countless times when these values of sportspersons are not respected by officials and authorities. Australian gymnastics star Heath Thorpe finds himself in a similar situation. In a shocking revelation, the 22-year-old national champion was not included in the final team for the World Gymnastics Championships.

Thorpe is one of the best gymnasts in Australia. He has won several contests throughout his career and in 2023. However, despite his achievements, the members of the Gymnastics Australia selection committee did not include him on the team. Thorpe, however, did not go down without a fight and got into a legal battle with the board, but failed to win the case.

Gymnastics Australia did not specify any reason to rule out Thorpe

According to Outsports, Heath Thorpe has produced some of his best results in the year 2023. The 22-year-old gymnast won the Australian National Championship this year in May in the all-around category. Moreover, he also came first in the floor exercise category. Thorpe competed at the Oceania Championships in early 2023 where he came second in the horizontal bar category. However, the list of players representing Australia for the World Gymnastics Championships released last month did not carry his name. Thorpe shared the news of his legal battle via his Twitter handle on 3rd August 2023.

The athlete also posted images of the hearing documentation, which showed no evidence presented by the GA selection committee. Thorpe lost the case, nonetheless. He wishes to appeal further but said he doesn?t have the funds for it and has lost AUD 19,000 fighting the legal battle. ?I did not have the financial means to continue the case,? Heath said.?

Heath Thorpe is one of the few athletes who have openly declared their queer status. Thorpe does not shy away from actively supporting LGBTQIA+ campaigns either.

Thorpe?s feelings regarding the case

Speaking his mind about the result of the hearing via his tweet, the athlete said, ?Whilst I am incredibly disappointed by the outcome of this appeal, I am proud of myself for standing my ground and asserting my values and self-belief.? The young gymnastics ace said that he wishes to put this behind him and move onto the next chapter of his career.

ALSO READ – When, Where and How to Watch Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and Sunisa Lee at US Classics 2023

Thorpe had to bear a hefty sum of money for the hearing. He has set up a GoFundMe page for his fans and people on the internet to help him manage the loss. The humble athlete has also requested Gymnastics Australia to use this opportunity to review their policies and processes regarding the Olympics qualifiers. He suggested the board specify more concrete and transparent selection criteria to avoid future problems.

WATCH STORY – Simone Biles Chills with NFL Husband Jonathan Owens as Gymnastics Queen Shares ‘Mesmerizing’ Natural Visuals