(UPDATE) Filipino American gymnast Emma Malabuyo showcased her talent and skill on the international stage, finishing fourth in the 2024 FIG World Cup series women’s artistic gymnastics floor exercise final in Baku, Azerbaijan. This achievement highlights her dedication and hard work in the sport.
In the preliminaries, Malabuyo secured a commendable sixth place, setting the stage for her impressive performance in the final. With a difficulty level of 4.9, she executed her routine with precision, earning a score of 13.133 points for execution. Her execution score of 8.233 demonstrated her mastery of the routine’s intricate movements.
Despite narrowly missing out on a podium finish, Malabuyo’s performance was commendable. The gold medal was claimed by Charlize Moerz of Austria, who scored 13.566 points, closely followed by Ou Yushan of China with 13.533 points, and Kaylia Nemour of Algeria with 13.266 points. These talented gymnasts showcased their skills and proved their mettle in the highly competitive event.
It is worth mentioning that Malabuyo’s achievement adds to the growing list of accolades for Filipino gymnasts in the tournament. Carlos Yulo, another Filipino athlete, secured a bronze medal in the men’s floor exercise. Yulo’s exceptional performance earned him a score of 14.366 points, with a difficulty level of 6.3 and an execution score of 8.066 points.
Yulo’s success in the tournament is a testament to his incredible talent and dedication. As the 2019 floor exercise and 2021 vault gold medalist in the World Championships, Yulo has consistently proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in the gymnastics world. In the men’s floor exercise, he finished behind gold medalist Yahor Sharamkou of Belarusia, who scored 14.933 points, and silver medalist Minami Kazuki of Japan, who tallied 14.666 points.
The competition in the eight-man final was fierce, with each gymnast pushing their limits to deliver exceptional performances. Sharamkou’s routine, with a difficulty level of 6.4 and an execution score of 8.533, secured him the top spot. Minami’s impressive execution, with a difficulty level of 6.2 and an execution score of 8.466, earned him the silver medal.
In addition to Malabuyo and Yulo’s achievements, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, another Filipino American gymnast, showcased her skills in the women’s uneven bars final. Although she finished last in the eight-woman field, her participation in the event is a testament to her dedication and determination to excel in the sport.
It is important to recognize the immense talent and hard work demonstrated by these Filipino American gymnasts. Their performances on the international stage not only bring pride to their respective countries but also inspire future generations of gymnasts. Their achievements serve as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and dedication, dreams can become a reality.
In conclusion, Emma Malabuyo’s fourth-place finish in the FIG World Cup series women’s artistic gymnastics floor exercise final is a remarkable achievement. Alongside Carlos Yulo’s bronze medal in the men’s floor exercise, these Filipino American gymnasts have left a lasting impact on the international gymnastics community. Their performances exemplify the spirit of sportsmanship and the pursuit of excellence.
Source: The Manila Times