BREAKING: Scotts Valley’s Nathan Swanepoel has just made history by winning a silver medal for Team USA at the FIG World Age Group Competitions held in Navarra Arena, Pamplona, Spain on Sunday. Competing in his first international event, Swanepoel shone brightly in the Men’s Double-Mini Trampoline for athletes aged 17 to 21, finishing with an impressive score of 25.100.
The competition featured gymnasts from 46 countries, making Swanepoel’s achievement even more remarkable. He expressed his joy on Instagram, stating, “I am beyond happy with how my first World Age Group Competition went. Placed second in prelims and secured a second place medal in finals. I have so much gratitude for the opportunity to compete in Spain for the U.S. and I am very thankful for the support from all of my coaches and medical staff. Could not have asked for a better week. Y gracias España.”
This stunning performance places Swanepoel just behind Canada’s Jeremy Meyer, who clinched gold with a score of 25.200. Australia’s River Mallam took bronze with a score of 24.900.
Swanepoel, a student at Arizona State University, has been training at North Valley Gymnastics in Phoenix, having started his gymnastics journey under the guidance of Vernon Vargas at Vargas Academy of Gymnastics in 2013. His success marks a significant milestone not only for him but for American gymnastics on the international stage.
In addition, fellow gymnast from Santa Cruz, Taj Rodriguez Gleitsman, a former Aptos High student, also competed in multiple events. Gleitsman, now at the University of Utah, placed 19th out of 87 athletes in the Individual Men’s Trampoline prelims, just missing the final cutoff. He also teamed up with Changamire Anderson in the Men’s Synchronized Pair Trampoline, finishing 15th out of 33 teams in the prelims and placed 41st in the Individual Men’s Double-Mini Trampoline.
As the excitement builds around Swanepoel’s silver medal, gymnastics fans are eager to see what he will achieve next. His performance not only highlights his talent but also serves as inspiration for young athletes everywhere. Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the journeys of these remarkable gymnasts.
