Debut sensation Hong Yanming, just 19, soared to victory on the pommel horse at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta. With a score of 14.600, he tied with Armenia's Mamikon Khachatryan but edged out gold on execution—it’s the Chinese mainland’s first title of the meet! 🥇
‘I came here hoping to make the final,’ Hong said after his win. ‘Seeing my name in second place during qualifiers gave me confidence. I reminded myself to stay calm and do my routines like in training. This gold is just the start—I’m aiming to help the team at the Los Angeles Olympics.’
The success streak continued in the women’s uneven bars, where Yang Fanyuwei claimed bronze with 14.500 points. Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour took gold (15.566), and Russia’s Angelina Melnikova snagged silver (14.500) on a tie-break. ‘A small slip, but finishing my routine at my first big competition felt amazing,’ Yang shared. 💪
In the men’s rings final, top qualifier Lan Xingyu earned bronze (14.500) behind the U.S.’s Donnell Whittenburg (14.700) and Türkiye’s Adem Asil (14.566). Zhang Boheng just missed the podium in fourth (14.466). Lan reflected: ‘Going first made me extra nervous, but it’s a lesson in handling pressure.’
The day also saw a tough moment for Deng Yalan in the women’s vault. A mishap on her first attempt meant she couldn’t start her routine, ending her competition early. Later in the vault final, Melnikova grabbed her second title (14.466), followed by Canada’s Lia-Monica Fontaine (14.033) and the U.S.’s Joscelyn Roberson (13.983).
Jakarta has been full of ups and downs, but for Hong Yanming and the team, the thrill of victory is just the beginning. Stay tuned as these young stars gear up for more action on the road to LA 2028! 🌟
Reference(s):
Hong Yanming wins first gold medal for China at Gymnastics Worlds
cgtn.com
