In gymnastics every second counts. And deviation of a fraction can cause nothing short of blunders. It was evident during the women’s team’s finals on October 4, with a heartbreaking fall of the youngest member of Team USA, during her warmup. Her sudden injury disrupted the anticipated competition. Post the incident, Leanne Wong substituted for her on the vault and floor. The night concluded with radiant smiles and gold medals, marking their seventh consecutive World Championship team title. However, the injury came back haunting again.
The injured American gymnast today announced to have stepped aside from another event. The announcement that came hours before the event is undoubtedly a setback for the team as well as its supporters.
A closer look at who got injured in Antwerp
17-year-old Joscelyn Roberson took to social media to announce her withdrawal from the vault finals. On her Instagram post on October 7, 2023, unveiling the somber news she wrote, “I hate to have to tell you guys this, but I will be withdrawing from the vault final.” The image accompanying the post depicted her on-the-floor exercise, emphasizing the challenges ahead. Roberson explained, “On the team finals, I landed short on a vault, and a freak thing happened. I had hopes of returning, but I need this time to rest and recover.”
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During the unforeseen setback ahead of the team finals, Joscelyn Roberson came up short on her Cheng vault. As she fell on her legs, it left Roberson unable to walk, casting a shadow on her night. Coach Laurent Landi, who had guided both Roberson and Simone Biles at the World Champions Centre (WCC), carried her away in her arms. In just a few seconds, the dream for Roberson momentarily shattered leading to withdrawal from the competition as she left the arena in tears.
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Despite not being able to contribute, Robesrson was still happy for her teammates and also for M?lanie de Jesus dos Santos of France, who trains with Biles and Robesrson. Post the event she said, “I was crying so many happy tears for all of us!” There was every reason to be happy as her teammates put up a fabulous performance to fill in her void.
Gymnastics queen powers Team USA to 7th consecutive victory
Team USA clinched their seventh consecutive world title in the women’s team finals, securing a collective score of 167.729 points. Where, Simone Biles, has their back. Edging out Brazil and France, Biles, at the forefront, showcased her prowess in the vault, bars, and beam, laying the groundwork for an electrifying floor finale. Simone Biles, exuding grace and confidence, delivered an almost flawless routine, earning an impressive score of 15.166.
via Imago
Imago
While the team celebrated their victory, individual pursuits loom on the horizon. The upcoming women’s all-around final, followed by the women’s vault and uneven bars finals on October 7, and the balance beam and floor exercise finals on October 8, promise more moments of intensity. The grand culmination of the World Artistic Gymnastics Championship 2023 awaits, marking the end of an exhilarating journey for these exceptional athletes.
