The 2024 Apparatus World Cup series saw gymnasts vie for Olympic qualification as they gave their best. The first of four World Cup competitions in 2024, it took place at Cairo as the athletes pursued the coveted Olympic quotas. Gymnasts from across 71 extraordinary nations had registered to compete at Cairo (EGY), 15-18 Feb.

With only twenty Olympic berths available through the series, the competition is really intense. While Cairo is the first leg of this series, it will also be passing through Cottbus (GER), Baku (AZE), and Doha (QAT) scheduled till mid-April. Amidst the competitive showdown at Cairo, a few gymnasts shined brightly in this ongoing quest for Olympic glory.

Standout performances at Cairo

The official Instagram account of The Olympics Games in collaboration with FIG Gymnastics took to post some notable triumphs at the World Cup competition held at Cairo. The caption reads, “Have you been following the 2024 FIG Apparatus World Cup? This series is one of the last chances for athletes to obtain quota spots for #Paris2024.”

The photographic sequence further delves into highlighting “Top stories from the 2024 FIG Apparatus World Cup in Cairo.” The first of these photos is dedicated to Team Belgium’s Nina Derwael winning gold in the balance beam title. She showcased a solid routine despite ongoing shoulder rehabilitation. Derwael’s triumph earned her 30 points towards the World Cup standings.

Japan’s Okamura Mana also clinched gold in the floor exercise with a score of 13.066. Her routine included impressive tumbling passes, executing a double back, a front layout to front full, and a two-and-a-half twist.

Ryu Sunghyun of the Republic of Korea, the 2019 junior world floor champion, went on to secure the first men’s title of the day on the floor exercise with his twisting skills. He performed a front full to front triple full combination, that earned him a score of 14.070 and the gold medal.

The men’s horizontal bar final was the closing event in Cairo with Britain’s Joe Fraser coming in second winning the silver medal and a score of 14.433.

The quest intensifies

With the reallocation of points to eligible athletes, it has accelerated their pace to secure berths for the Paris Olympics. The points that the gymnasts earn at each event contribute to their rankings as they will have to maintain consistency across the series’ four stops.

Read More: As Paris Olympics 2024 Looms, Jordan Chiles Joins USA Gymnastics Team in Sharing Expertise on the French Capital

As the competition in Cairo concludes, attention turns to the remaining events. Looking ahead, the competition will continue with upcoming rounds in Cottbus and Baku, culminating in the finale in Doha.

The Cottbus leg of the series will take place at Lausitz Arena between February 22 to February 25.

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