While the 2024 all-around Winter Cup champion was going around making waves, there were other gymnasts garnering cheers as well. Eyeing the Paris Olympics 2024, every second counts and every move is for an Olympic spot clinch. Among the top NCAA gymnastics names in the men’s roster, there was a name that not only brought a good name to the nation but also a valuable addition to the Air Force.

Pommel horse stalwart Rhys McClenaghan finally has a contentious opponent to challenge him at the marquee event. This contention in question is the 2024 Winter Cup pommel horse pole finisher, who looks forward to making the US team. But before that, he boasts of an honor that is sure to melt the hearts of global fans.

Gymnastics champ Patrick Hoopes wins a coveted honor

Air Force Falcons’ X post reads, “Patrick Hoopes is your 𝐂𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐭-𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤. Air Force junior Patrick Hoopes rose to the top at the 2024 USA Gymnastics Winter Cup Challenge, a prestigious invite-only competition with the nation’s top gymnasts, winning the pommel horse!” The photo paired with the caption has a gleeful Hoopes smiling in his uniform. Scoring 14.850/14.750 at the end of the two-day competition, Hoopes looks strong to add more accolades to his purse. In an interview with Inside Gymnastics, he said, “Obviously, the goal is making the National Team. That’s the ultimate goal, but if I don’t make team, at least getting enough points to qualify for U.S. Championships in May.” But being a specialist comes with its perks, which demand more mindfulness.

His statement further reads, “As a specialist, you know that path is narrow, and it can get pretty stressful at times, because you have one event, one chance.” Since he has already positioned himself among the top gymnastics names, his mantra moving forward will be “If I fall, that’s it. That’s my shot”. 

A hearken back at his career

On the pommel horse, Hoopes is the NCAA All-American. In his sophomore year in 2023, he has made pommel horse waves in every meet. With 15.300, he also scored an Academy record against Navy and Stanford. At the MPSF Championships that season, he finished second with a 14.00. As a freshman, Hoopes recorded 11.950 in high bars, 12.400 in parallel bars, and 13.500 on pommel horse.

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Named after his mother Patricia Moody, Hoopes wishes to ace the Busnari on the pommel horse someday. “It looks super good, and it’s obviously a high difficulty skill”, he said while talking about his nearest goal. Hopefully stepping into the Paris Olympics, we’re yet to see the best of Hoopes’ finesse on his favorite equipment.

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