Unlikely Tragedy Befalls Antwerp as Icon Rushed Off Stage at World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2023?

The 2023 World Gymnastics Championships neared its end on the evening of the 8th of October after a successful 9-day run. Throughout the event, the compelling competition has called for staunch focus and attention from the audience. The Worlds, to curb the tension and lighten the environment, had the mascots placed all over; be it in the form of dolls or the original, one could spot them easily.

On Sunday, as the audience remained seated for one last day of the Worlds, they had an unlikely diversion their way. While the event saw natural occurrences of falls and missteps, something surprising took place. As the intensity continued on the other side, the mascot for the Worlds wasn’t left behind.

The mascot at 2023 Worlds encounters malfunction

The 2023 Worlds have been clear about their loved mascot for the year; Gymbo. The green dinosaur stuffed figure could often be caught sporting a white tank top. The same garment was what caused the hindrance in the apparatus finals. Halfway through the day, one of the Gymbo’s tank top sleeves came off ripped; obliging the management to get the mascot off the main ground. The ‘Gymnastics Now’ page on Twitter shared the incident with an image.

The post showed the mascot with a torn-off sleeve being ushered down to the ground by the staff. Sharing the update, Gymnastics Now hilariously captioned, “Wardrobe malfunction at #ARTWorlds2023: Gymbo?s tank top sleeve busted!”?

Gymbo and his girlfriend Gymba, who is also a mascot, have played a noticeable role throughout the competition. The duo were also seen performing at Antwerp with the opening act.

Gymbo’s backstory is as interesting as the recent incident. He was born on October 29, 2000. He is a gymnastics mascot who loves the sport a lot. Hence, he spends hours in the gym. When not in the gym, he loves to go on adventures with his girlfriend Gymba. But was the wardrobe malfunction incident adventurous enough? Last month, Oregon’s Duck mascot went on a bigger adventure.

The Oregon Ducks planned a routine to mock Colorado Buffaloes’ Deion Sanders. But things went south soon. As the mascot stepped out to demolish a prop clock with ‘Prime’ written on it to signify Sanders’ nickname, its movements were too aggressive. While destroying the clock, the duck’s head fell, and the mascot rushed back inside!

A look back at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2023

The grandeur event of the gymnastics realm marked its beginning on the 30th of September; entertaining and exciting the audience for a whole 9 days. While the 24 teams went head-on, a lot emerged successfully breaking the barriers. While the US women’s gymnastics team was a dominant force on the field, the men’s wasn’t so much. Breaking through the notion, the youngsters in the team carried the team ahead for history. The men’s team not only won their first team medal in decades but also won the first all-around since 2010; making it to the Paris 2024.

Also Read: ?Rebecca Was Much Better?: Despite Earning Compliments From Simone Biles? Coach, Rising Gymnast Snubbed by Fans Days Before World Artistic Gymnastics Championships

While the men’s team rode over the drought, the women’s team clinched their 7th consecutive victory. The event also earned Simone Biles her 6th all-around title and a medal tally count at 37; making her the most decorated gymnast ever. The venue also saw Simone being beaten to a gold twice. Once by the rising Brazilian star, Rebeca Andrade, and the next by Qiu Qiyuan of China on the Uneven Bars. The mentioned apparatus also earned a first medal for an African Nation; led by 16-year-old Algerian, Kaylia Nemour.

The list of records goes on, extending itself with every passing minute. While the individual records know no end, the teams entering Paris own a limitation. Alongside the already advanced teams, 9 more countries from each men’s and women’s fought for their spot. Desired results or not, the graceful moments and head-lifting strides are always a treat not to miss.

Watch this story: With Simone Biles at the Helm, US Women Record Unprecedented Triumph at the World Gymnastics Championships