Shane Wiskus, a 25-year-old gymnast from Minnesota, made a strong case for inclusion on the US Olympic team at the trials in Minneapolis.
Wiskus, a member of the 2020 Olympic team, finished third behind favorites Fred Richard and Brody Malone, despite struggling with injuries and inconsistency since the Tokyo Games.
Performing in front of his hometown crowd, Wiskus fed off the energy and support, delivering six steady rotations that showcased his skill and determination.
Wiskus’s performance was highlighted by a strong floor exercise routine, which earned him a score of 14.350, third-best of the night.
While Richard and Malone are virtually assured of spots on the five-man Olympic team, Wiskus’s consistency and steadiness could make him a contender for one of the remaining spots.
The selection committee will announce the team on Saturday night, and Wiskus is hoping his performance will be enough to secure his place.
Richard, a charismatic 20-year-old, led the field with a score of 85.600, followed closely by Malone at 85.100. Malone, a three-time national champion, has shown remarkable resilience in recovering from a serious knee injury suffered in March 2023.
His performance at the trials suggests he is getting stronger and more confident, making him a strong contender for the Olympic team.