Aleah Finnegan’s redemption journey continues in Paris.
The former United States gymnast secured her spot in next year’s Olympic Games after finishing 32nd in the women’s qualification with an impressive score of 51.366 on Tuesday morning (Philippine time).
Finnegan becomes the third Filipino athlete to earn a ticket to the Paris Games, following in the footsteps of pole vaulter EJ Obiena and fellow gymnast Caloy Yulo.
Entering the Sportspalais in Antwerp, Belgium, with a focus on nailing her routines, she began with a dazzling performance on the floor, earning 12.833 points.
Finnegan then executed two solid vaults, with the first one yielding a score of 13.400 (counted into her all-around score) and the second earning her 12.600, resulting in an average of 13.000 and a 16th place finish. She followed this with a score of 12.433 in the uneven bars.
The balance beam became a crucial moment in her quest, but a flawless routine that garnered 12.700 points was enough to fulfill Finnegan’s dream.
On the other hand, Kylee Kvamme, in her first-ever World Championships appearance, posted a score of 49.432, boosted by a 13.400 on vault. She achieved scores of 11.466 on the floor, 12.266 on the bars, and 12.300 on the beam.
