It was the opening day of the 2023 World Gymnastics Championship on Saturday, and it was a showdown of the best. Marking its beginning with 24 of the men’s gymnastics teams, the Worlds held 6 subdivisions for the qualifiers round. The teams contending, performed across 6 apparatus and an all-around event, leaving the audience hooked on their seats.

While the teams performed through the course of 6 subdivisions, it was a day meant to end in favor of 8. As the contestants eyed the ultimate goal entering the event, it was a battle of grace and agility. The US men’s team contended amongst the teams, proclaiming the mentioned factors did not seem to yield desirable results at the initial glance. However, turning tables by the end of the final list, it was a day of sweeter results for the USA men’s team.

US Men’s gymnastics team moves up the table

The 2023 World Gymnastics Championship provides gymnasts the ultimate ground to make it to the Paris 2024. While 3 of the countries in men’s gymnastics qualified for the Olympics last year at the Worlds, 9 spots remained up for grabs at this year’s event. Hence, to reach their goal, the USA men’s team needed to end up in the top 9 apart from the 3 countries already advanced.

As day 1 of the Worlds set about, 3 of 5 teammates made their debut performing exceptionally. A magnificent contribution by youngsters Khoi Young, Fred Richard, and Paul Juda, boosted the team with an improved overall score. Accumulating a total of 254.628 by the end of the subdivision and the day, the USA men’s team placed a whopping 2nd; right next to the team Japan with 258.228 according to The Washington Post.

Since Team Japan is one of the 3 qualified teams, Team USA naturally earned the top spot. The contenders not only cleared the quota to qualify for the Olympics, but they did so with flying colors. The team with its numbers managed to place on top of China and Great Britain, the two other advanced teams. While the youngsters might have contributed significantly to the progress, it remains a combined team effort lending a push.

Also Read: Watch: USA Men?s Gymnastics Hope Asher Hong, Unleashes Impressive Feats at World Artistic Gymnastics Championship 2023

Performances that led the team to the win

The 5 member team of USA men’s consisted of only 2 of experienced gymnasts. While that might noticeably be considered on the lesser side on the advantage scale, the performers made sure to turn the tables. Starting rotation 1 of subdivision 3, Khoi Young, the 19-year-old earned a second spot on the Pommel Horse. Earning a total of 15.066 he remained 0.2 points behind the leading performer; Max Whitlock holding 15.266. The momentum was then carried ahead by Fred Richard who earned the team’s top score in floor exercise with 14.600.

Earning a 14.866, Paul Juda?performed one of the most difficult of the vaults with grace. The 22-year-old took on the ?Yurchenko double pike, and executed it with excellence, earning points for him and the team. Further carrying the baton, Yul Moldauer, the most experienced of the team placed 4th on Parallel Bars with 14.966; short by 0.26 against the top, Illia Kovtun who earned 15.233.

By the end of the vaults, the USA men’s team emerged top, with a score of 44.099. While the team has reached the goal successfully, the individual qualifications are yet in line. With their performances, each of the five holds the potential to advance into one individual final at the least. Fred Richard and Asher Hong who have placed 6th and 8th in the top, are ready to make it to the final.

Having attained their primary goal, Team USA will next eye a medal at the Worlds. The team has on many previous occasions placed itself either on 4th or 5th, narrowly missing a chance at the medal. Now with expectational grip and grace, the rooster aims to end the long-reigning draught of going medal-less.

Watch this story: ?Beat You?: Gymnastics? Emerging Sensation Challenges Simone Biles for the Lead