All teams accounted for as junior world looms
All 74 countries slated to compete in the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships have arrived in the Philippines, marking a record turnout for the global event that opens on Thursday at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.
“We welcome all our athletes, coaches and officials to the World Juniors and are thankful for their enthusiastic support,” said Cynthia Carrion, president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, on Tuesday.
Carrion noted that delegations began arriving over the weekend for five days of high-level competition.
This year’s FIG-sanctioned meet surpasses the participation records of its previous editions. The second World Juniors, held in Antalya, Turkey, featured 64 nations and 283 athletes. In contrast, the 2023 edition has drawn nearly 750 participants.
“This turnout reflects the growing global interest in this dynamic Olympic sport,” Carrion said. “Member nations are eager to showcase their young gymnasts, knowing this is a crucial stepping stone in their development.”
Carrion said the Philippines’ hosting of the event will allow it to field a full boys and girls squad.
Leading the charge are Karl Eldrew Yulo, fresh from training in Japan, and Elisabeth Antone, both of whom medaled at the Asian Junior Championships in South Korea last June. Yulo claimed silver in the men’s vault while Antone took bronze in the women’s all-around.
“While Olympians like Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo have already made their mark, we must sustain our momentum,” Carrion said. “Hosting this event is part of that long-term strategy.”
