The 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships have witnessed history in the making. Just days earlier, fans were treated to a breathtaking display of talent during the team finals, where Japan secured the World Title with an impressive score of 255.594. The People’s Republic of China secured silver with a score of 253.794, while the United States earned bronze with a score of 252.428. It was a momentous occasion, and the anticipation for the All-Around Final at the Sportpaleis in Antwerp, Belgium, was awaited.

Then, during the All-Around Finals, Fred Richard, representing the United States, made history by shattering a decade-long curse that had haunted American gymnastics since 2010 by winning the bronze medal in the All-Around category behind Hashimoto Daiki of Japan, who claimed gold, and Illia Kovtun, who earned silver. And now, as the competition progressed in Antwerp to the men’s floor final on Saturday, the American contenders have been outclassed.

Team USA gets outclassed in Antwerp

According to a post on X by Inside Gymnastics, “The men’s FX final medalists are Dolgopyat (Gold), Minami (Silver), and Karimi (Bronze)!” The handle had also mentioned, “Artem Dolgopyat, the reigning Olympic champion on floor grabs his first World title! (He won silver in 2017 and 2019!)”  Dolgopyat of Israel seized his first world title at the floor exercise finals on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The 26-year-old made his mark as the fourth gymnast in the day’s opening final, showcasing a double-twisting, double layout as his first pass.

He followed up with a front-full to double-front pike before concluding his routine with an Arabian double-front half-out, albeit with a small hop. His stellar performance earned him a score of 14.866, securing the coveted gold medal. Dolgopyat faced intense competition that kept both him and the fans on the edge of their seats.

How the gymnastics event unfolded for America

Japan’s Minami Kazuki secured second place with a score of 14.666, while Kazakhstan’s Milad Karimi claimed the bronze medal with a score of 14.600. Meanwhile, the American gymnasts found themselves trailing behind. Fred Richard, who had delivered an exceptional floor routine on Day 1 of the Men’s Qualification at the World Championships, where he secured second place with an incredible score of 14.6, faced a different scenario at the men’s floor final.

His execution earned him a score of 7.200, coupled with a 6.000 for difficulty, resulting in a total score of 13.200. Richard found himself trailing behind the All-Around champion, Hashimoto Daiki of Japan, who had earned a total score of 14.233, even with a penalty deduction of -0.633.

Read more: Simone Biles Dethroned at World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2023

Despite the drawbacks at the floor exercise finals, the USA men’s team has managed to win the hearts of fans worldwide with their resilience and camaraderie, breaking the medal drought in America.

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