URGENT UPDATE: Nathan Swanepoel from Scotts Valley has just claimed a silver medal for Team USA at the 31st Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) World Age Group Competitions in Pamplona, Spain. Competing in his first international event, Swanepoel shined in the Men’s Double-Mini Trampoline for the 17 to 21-year-old category, scoring 25.100 during the finals on Sunday.
This remarkable achievement has made waves across the gymnastics community, with athletes from 46 countries vying for medals. Swanepoel expressed his joy on Instagram, stating, “I am beyond happy with how my first World Age Group Competition went. Placed second in prelims and secured a second place medal in finals. I have so much gratitude for the opportunity to compete in Spain for the U.S., and I am very thankful for the support from all of my coaches and medical staff. Could not have asked for a better week. Y gracias España.”
Canadian athlete Jeremy Meyer took home the gold with a score of 25.200, while Australia’s River Mallam earned bronze with a score of 24.900. Swanepoel, who is currently studying at Arizona State University and training at North Valley Gymnastics in Phoenix, has been honing his skills since 2013 under the guidance of coach Vernon Vargas at the Vargas Academy of Gymnastics.
In addition to Swanepoel’s success, fellow gymnast and Aptos High alum Taj Rodriguez Gleitsman from Santa Cruz also competed in three events. Gleitsman placed 19th out of 87 athletes in the Individual Men’s Trampoline prelims, with only the top eight advancing to the finals. He partnered with Changamire Anderson in the Men’s Synchronized Pair Trampoline, where they secured 15th place out of 33 teams. Gleitsman also placed 41st in the Individual Men’s Double-Mini Trampoline.
As the gymnastics world celebrates these achievements, all eyes are on these talented young athletes, who are setting the stage for future competitions. The excitement surrounding Swanepoel’s medal underscores the potential of Team USA on the international stage, and fans eagerly await what’s next for this rising star.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow their journeys in the world of gymnastics.
