The stage was set for an exhilarating day 1 of the Apparatus finals at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. As the men showcased their incredible talents at the Sportpaleis, anticipation hung in the air for the women’s event. However, the gymnastics world received an unexpected jolt when Joscelyn Roberson, set to perform on the Vault, suffered an injury during warm-ups at the Team Finals. This unfortunate turn of events led to a series of surprising changes, setting the tone for a dramatic day of competition.

Amidst the commotion and reshuffling, the resilient Leanne Wong stepped in for Joscelyn Roberson, taking the onus for both the Floor and Vault events. The unexpected twist, though, did not end there. From the Diamond Capital, a new revelation emerged, promising to add more excitement to the Apparatus finals Day 1. Simone Biles was already poised to take the stage. However, the real surprise came in the form of an unanticipated entry, a gymnast who had not initially qualified for the event.

Another twist announced at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships

According to a post by FIG on X “Another change to the Women’s Vault final at #ARTWorlds2023: Leanne Wong will also compete, meaning we will have a final with nine gymnasts. Csenge Bacskay will be in the final as well. #Gymnastics”

Another post on X by  GymCastic further revealed , 

This comes as a surprise to many. USA Gymnastics also stated, “Official Update: Because Joscelyn Roberson & Jessica Gadirova have both withdrawn from the Vault Final, Leanne Wong (& Canada’s Ellie Black) will now compete in today’s competition. Jess & Josc are both fierce competitors and we can’t wait to see them back out there!” Simone Biles and Leanne Wong graced the vault, while Shilese Jones and Biles were set to compete on bars.

How the night unfolded

Despite being a surprise entry, Leanne Wong finished in the 7th position. On her first vault, she earned a 14.100, and on her second, she earned a 12.833, finishing with a total of 13.466.

Simone Biles, on the other hand, had faced some challenges. She performed her signature Yurchenko Double Pike Vault and faced an unfortunate fall on her landing. Despite that, on the first vault, she earned a massive 14.433, and on her second performance in the Chang vault, she earned 14.666 and had a total of 14.549.

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However, she found formidable competition in Rebeca Andrade of Brazil. Rebeca Andrade earned a 15.000 in her first vault and a 14.500 in her second vault, earning her a total of 14.750, outclassing Simone Biles, and taking home the gold medal. Biles took home the silver medal, and Yeo Seojeong of Korea took home the bronze medal with a total score of 14.416. In an unexpected twist of events, day 1 of the Apparatus finals at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships concluded in a nail-biting showdown.

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