URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning debut on the international stage, Nathan Swanepoel from Scotts Valley has secured a silver medal for Team USA at the 31st Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) World Age Group Competitions held in Navarra Arena, Pamplona, Spain, on Sunday. This remarkable achievement marks Swanepoel’s first appearance in a global competition, where he excelled in the Men’s Double-Mini Trampoline event for athletes aged 17 to 21.
Swanepoel clinched the silver with an impressive score of 25.100, finishing just behind Canada’s Jeremy Meyer, who took the gold with 25.200. Australia’s River Mallam secured the bronze medal with a score of 24.900. The championship featured participation from over 46 countries, showcasing the best young talent in gymnastics worldwide.
“I am beyond happy with how my first World Age Group Competition went,” Swanepoel expressed on his Instagram account. “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.”
Swanepoel, a student at Arizona State University, has been training with coach Vernon Vargas at the Vargas Academy of Gymnastics since 2013. His dedication and hard work have clearly paid off on this international platform.
In addition to Swanepoel’s success, fellow gymnast Taj Rodriguez Gleitsman from Santa Cruz also competed. The Aptos High alum participated in three events, finishing 19th out of 87 athletes in the Individual Men’s Trampoline prelims, just missing the final cutoff. He also teamed with Changamire Anderson in the Men’s Synchronized Pair Trampoline, where they placed 15th out of 33 teams in prelims. Gleitsman rounded off his performance with a 41st place finish in the Individual Men’s Double-Mini Trampoline.
As the gymnastics community celebrates Swanepoel’s remarkable achievement, all eyes are now on the upcoming competitions where he will look to build on this success. With the support of his coaches and the pride of representing the USA, Nathan Swanepoel is poised for a bright future in gymnastics.
Stay tuned for more updates on these athletes as they continue to rise in the competitive gymnastics landscape.
