“Pulling My Skin Off”: Rising Star Khoi Young Faces Wild Gymnastics Fail Despite Stellar Season

Khoi Young had recently made headlines for his phenomenal displays at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. He anchored the US men’s team to a bronze finish. Later, he established himself as the 2023 Pan-Am Games pommel horse champion, too. But Young’s gymnastic journey isn’t all glittery.

Gymnasts use a powdery substance that reduces friction and helps absorb sweat. And they also use a sticky substance for a better grip. But missteps and slips are inevitable. In a similar light, the 20-year-old featured alongside his friend to give a fun sneak peek.

Khoi Young faces a gymnastics setback

Ian David Gunther, a fellow gymnast of Young at Stanford, invited the latter for a fun collab. Since gymnasts use honey for grips, Gunther thought of purchasing handball resin just to experiment. When Young smelled the resin, he joked, saying, ” kinda smells like McDonald’s applesauce.” But after he applied it on his palms, he laughed and said, “It’s never coming off”. But as he hit the bars, his “pulling my skin off” statement cracked up the duo hard.

Coming to Gunther, once he places his hands, he said, “my skin is one with the bars now”. It’s no surprise that the lighthearted and fun gym session was much needed for the serious gymnasts. The four-time NCAA team champion and 2023 Winter Cup high-bar bronze medalist befriended a serious youngster indeed. As Khoi Young had a phenomenal 2023, he decorated his wall of fame with back-to-back podiums. Not only that, he established himself as the only US man who came out as an undefeatable pommel horse champ.

Young shone on the pommel horse

Great Britain gymnast Max Whitlock’s abrupt pommel horse exit opened the door for the 20-year-old. Watching the six-time Olympic medalist score a 14.300 ignited hopes in Young’s heart. He was the second contestant, and his smooth and clean routine was eye pleasing to the US audience. Clinching a silver medal, he stood tall with his second Antwerp win.

READ MORE: After Waving American Flag in Antwerp, Khoi Young Busts Serious Myths Around World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2023

As a long career lay ahead of the gymnast, he became the first US man since 2003 to walk home with three World Championship medals. He has more accolades to collect in the course of life. And now, it’s just a matter of time to see whether the 20-year-old Stanford gymnast competes in the Olympics or not.

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