Nathan Swanepoel Wins Silver at FIG World Age Group Competitions

Nathan Swanepoel from Scotts Valley earned a silver medal at the 31st Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) World Age Group Competitions, held on August 27, 2023, in Navarra Arena, Pamplona, Spain. Competing in his first international event, Swanepoel secured his place in the finals with a score of 25.100 in the Men’s Double-Mini Trampoline for athletes aged 17 to 21.

The competition featured gymnastics athletes from 46 countries, showcasing a high level of talent and dedication. Swanepoel expressed his excitement on social media, 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.” He also acknowledged the support he received from his coaches and medical staff, adding, “Could not have asked for a better week. Y gracias España.”

Canadian gymnast Jeremy Meyer took home the gold medal with a score of 25.200, while Australia’s River Mallam earned bronze with a score of 24.900. This impressive performance reflects the increasing competitiveness of junior gymnastics on the international stage.

Swanepoel, a student at Arizona State University, trains at North Valley Gymnastics in Phoenix. His journey in gymnastics began in 2013 when he started training with Vernon Vargas at Vargas Academy of Gymnastics. His dedication and hard work have clearly paid off, culminating in this remarkable achievement in Spain.

In addition to Swanepoel, fellow gymnast Taj Rodriguez Gleitsman from Santa Cruz also participated in the event. An alumnus of Aptos High School, Gleitsman competed in three events. He placed 19th out of 87 athletes in the Individual Men’s Trampoline preliminaries, where only the top eight advanced to the finals. Gleitsman teamed up with Changamire Anderson in the Men’s Synchronized Pair Trampoline, finishing 15th out of 33 teams in the preliminaries. Additionally, he placed 41st in the Individual Men’s Double-Mini Trampoline.

The FIG World Age Group Competitions serve as a critical platform for young gymnasts to showcase their skills and gain international experience. For athletes like Swanepoel and Gleitsman, the event not only highlights their talents but also sets the stage for future competitions on the global gymnastics scene.