The US Men’s Gymnastics team has had a roller coaster of a ride contending at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship. The team entered the event with hopes of overturning the history of US men’s gymnastics. The youngsters-filled team, battling through the week, did just what the entire nation hoped for. On the first day of the event, contending in the qualifiers round, the men’s team finished 2nd behind Japan which led them to own a space in the finals. The team continuing along the momentum, created history as they climbed the podium on the team finals.

On October 3rd, the US team finished third to earn the nation its first medal in a decade with a total score of 252.428. Fred then taking it on to the individual, put on a score of 84.332, a first all-around for the men’s gymnastics since 2010. Now as the event turns to the final leg, the baton is passed on to Khoi Young. The youngster contributed his part for the team and for himself performing the pommel horse; the nation’s Achilles Heel.

Khoi Young overtakes the apparatus’s finest

If there’s one apparatus that US men’s gymnastics has constantly fallen behind on, it is the Pommel Horse. However, entering the apparatus finals on the 7th of October, Khoi, stood to defy the stance. During the qualifier’s round, Khoi Young qualified for the Pommel Horse with a total of 15.066. The score fell short by just a few decimals against the leading British gymnast, Max Whitlock. However, now as the two took on each other head-on for the second time, it was the former in the lead.

Max Whitlock, the 30-year-old British Gymnast stands entitled to six titles in Olympic and World Championships; the 5 of the mentioned interestingly are dedicated to Pommel Horse. Khoi Young however taking on the Champion did the unthinkable. Gracing his performance with Busnari, and Scissor handstand, Young scored a total of 14.966 placing ahead of Max Whitlock who accumulated 14.300. The score has placed Young 2nd on the table; earning him a silver medal. The youngster was beaten by MC CLENAGHAN Rhys who put on 15.100 while the Pommel Horse icon, Whitlock placed 5th.

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Khoi Young takes charge

The 21-year-old youngster didn’t exactly make it to the entrance of the 2023 Worlds as a popular name. In the 5 member team, Khoi was one of the three gymnasts making their debut at Worlds in the presiding year. However, making a successful start to the qualifier’s day on Pommel Horse, Khoi prove to be the one to look out for; stepping beside the anticipated name of fellow Stanford gymnast, Asher Hong.

His strong lead on the Pommel Horse gave the team a solid start to the event. The passed-on confidence boosted the team to land the second spot with a total of 254.628. The spot on the board not only led the team closer to the Worlds title but also found them a place at the 2024 Paris. Moving ahead, it was a pinnacle for Khoi who managed to outperform the best in the field to win himself a silver on his debut; marking the beginning of his larger path.

While the Pommel Horse might have seemed like an odd choice for the long-loyal spectators, it was always a clear choice for Khoi. Talking about the win post-interview, the youngster revealed that he had considered the apparatus a potential win. He further stated that he will be aiming to channel his energy into focusing on the minor details that matter. Khoi’s steady climb sets an exemplary start to men’s gymnastics, opening the doors necessary.

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