Gymnastics chief has high hopes for junior stars
The upcoming 3rd International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships in the Philippines could serve as a fast track to global stardom for the sport’s rising stars, according to a top official from the FIG.
“Don’t underestimate the junior world championships. I think this can be a springboard quickly to the senior level,” said FIG Communications Head Paul O’Neil, speaking after the recent 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta.
Set from Nov. 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom in Newport World Resorts, the event marks the first time the junior meet will be held in Southeast Asia.
O’Neil pointed to recent examples like Japan’s Shinnosuke Oka, who won the men’s all-around gold at the Paris Olympics after topping the same event in the inaugural junior worlds in Gyor, Hungary, in 2019.
