PANAMA CITY, Panama, 2025-06-16 11:51:00
Pan American Gymnastics Championships dominated by U.S. adn Canada
The U.S.and Canada showcased their gymnastics prowess at the Pan American Championships in Panama City.
- Jayla Hang of the U.S. and Felix Dolci of Canada took the all-around titles.
- The U.S. teams secured victories in both men’s and women’s team competitions.
- Dolci was the only gymnast to win multiple apparatus finals.
In a thrilling display of athleticism, Jayla Hang of the U.S. and Felix Dolci of Canada emerged victorious in the all-around standings at the pan American Championships held in Panama City, Panama, concluding Sunday. The U.S. teams also celebrated pleasant wins in both the women’s and men’s team competitions, solidifying their dominance.
Who were the standout performers at the Pan American Championships? Jayla Hang of the U.S. and Felix Dolci of Canada stole the spotlight by claiming the all-around titles, showcasing their remarkable skills across multiple events.
women’s Competition: Hang’s Triumph
Hang’s performance was nothing short of impressive. The young gymnast finished first in the women’s all-around, scoring 55.300 points.Her closest competitor was Lia-Monica Fontaine of Canada, who secured the silver medal wiht 53.966 points, while Hezly Rivera of the U.S. took the bronze with 52.667.
Hang’s impressive 55.300 was a composite of her scores across vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise, demonstrating consistency and skill across all disciplines.
Hang’s success didn’t stop there. She clinched a medal in each of the four apparatus finals, becoming the only woman to achieve this feat. the apparatus titles were distributed among Karla Navas of Panama (vault), Gabrielle Hardie of the U.S. (uneven bars),Lia Redick of Canada (balance beam),and Fontaine (floor exercise).
Born on January 9, 2008, in Renton, Washington, Hang is trained by coaches Cale Robinson and Steph gentry at Pacific Reign Gymnastics. Her journey to the top includes a second-place finish at the 2022 U.S. Junior Championships and 16th all-around at the 2024 U.S.Championships. She also impressed internationally, earning fourth place at the 2023 Junior World Championships in Antalya and first at the 2024 Pacific Rim Championships in Cali.
Pacific Reign Gymnastics, where Hang hones her skills, is known for its comprehensive training programs and dedicated coaching staff, fostering a supportive environment for young gymnasts to excel.
Men’s Competition: Dolci’s Double Gold
In the men’s competition, Dolci showcased his versatility and skill, earning a total of 80.15 points to claim the all-around title.Joshua Karnes of the U.S. took silver with 79.90 points, and Diogo Soares, a two-time Brazilian Olympian, secured the bronze with 78.80.
Dolci’s dominance was further highlighted by his multiple gold medals in the apparatus finals. He was the only gymnast, male or female, to win more than one gold, taking first place on vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar. Othre apparatus winners included Junnosuke Iwai of the U.S. (floor exercise), Brandon Dang of the U.S. (pommel horse), and Daniel Villafañe of Argentina (still rings).
Dolci’s victories on vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bar highlight his exceptional upper body strength, precision, and dynamic movement, making him a formidable competitor.
Karnes, born July 6, 2004, in Erie, Pennsylvania, placed 19th all-around at the 2022 U.S.Championships and 17th all-around at the 2024 U.S. Championships. He competed for Pennsylvania State University from 2022-25, achieving top-six all-around finishes at the last three NCAA Championships. He also ranked sixth all-around at the 2023 University Games in Chengdu.
2025 Pan American Championships
Panama city, Panama
June 12-15
The Gymnasts’ Roles and Responsibilities
The 2025 Pan American Championships in Panama City were a stage for exceptional athletic performances, but what about the other roles that contribute to the success of these gymnasts? The event highlighted not just the athletes but also the dedication of coaches, the association of the Panama Gymnastics Federation, and the support from the International Gymnastics Federation.
The Gymnast’s Commitment
At the heart of any gymnastics competition is the gymnast. Their role extends far beyond the routines showcased on the floor. Training, discipline, and mental fortitude define the elite gymnast’s journey. The dedication starts early, frequently enough with years of rigorous training, requiring them to hone their skills, build endurance, and maintain peak physical condition.
- Training: Gymnasts typically spend several hours a day, six days a week, perfecting their routines.
- Nutrition: A carefully planned diet supports their demanding training schedule.
- Mental Readiness: Visualization,mindfulness,and stress management are crucial for competition readiness.
Coaches: The Architects of Success
Coaches,like Cale Robinson and Steph Gentry,play a pivotal role in shaping a gymnast’s career. They’re not just instructors; they’re mentors, strategists, and motivators. They help build routines, teach technical aspects, and ensure the overall well-being of the athletes.
Coaches analyze the gymnast’s form, provide feedback, fine-tune techniques through careful observation, and create customized training plans.
The Federation and Organizers: Making it Happen
The Panama Gymnastics Federation,in collaboration with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG),carries the immense responsibility of organizing competitions like the 2025 Pan American Championships The Judges: Evaluating Excellence
Judges assess the gymnasts’ performances based on skill,execution,difficulty,artistry,and overall presentation. They work in panels, evaluating each routine and assigning scores according to established guidelines. Judges must have extensive training and experience,demonstrating their in-depth knowledge of gymnastics and dedication to upholding fairness in evaluating the performances. Behind every champion is a robust support system, from family and friends to medical professionals, physical therapists, and sports psychologists. This team helps athletes focus on competitions, assisting with recovery, injury prevention, and mental health. while the gymnasts are the stars,success at the Pan American Championships requires the collaborative effort of a dedicated team. From the rigorous training to the smooth execution of the events, each role contributes to the overall spectacle and the athletes’ chance to shine. What are the key elements of a gymnast’s training regimen? Gymnasts must commit to intensive training, careful nutrition, and robust mental preparation to excel. What are the core functions of the International Gymnastics Federation and the Panama Gymnastics Federation? The FIG and the Panama Gymnastics Federation ensure the events are well-organized, safe, and conducted to international standards.Beyond the Podium: The Support System