by Adam Chau
On Saturday, 20-year-old gymnast Asher Hong made his own dreams come true, securing a spot on the U.S. Men’s Gymnastics Team heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Hong had some great routines on the last day of the men’s competition at the Olympic Trials with a vault score of 15.250, a 14.900 on parallel bars, and a 14.150 on his floor exercise.
While he led the pack behind Frederick Richard (who many considered a lock to make the team) for much of the competition, Hong made sure to add in some doubt as he fell from the pommel horse on his routine and scored a low 11.750 (after getting back on to finish).
That fall moved him down from second to fifth place in all around scoring.
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In his final rotation of the day Hong shook off the fall on the pommel horse and performed an outstanding routine on the rings, sticking the dismount much to the crowd’s excitement, ensuring his place on the team.
After the team was announced on stage, Hong was interviewed, with the interviewer discussing his energy after each routine. The interviewer then mentioned that they should make shirts with his phrase “Let’s Go.”
But while he’s enthusiastic, that phase belongs to Korean American Yul Moldauer, who has energy to give away even after routines that did not have the highest of scores.
Much to his credit Hong did not correct the gaffe and moved on talking about his excitement for the team.
After the team announcement and presentation, Asher had this to say to AsAmNews on advice for young Asian Americans who want to follow in his footsteps:
“I’d say go out there and get after it. Don’t let anything stop you. That’s what I did, and if it’s your goal to achieve something then go out there, work hard, don’t let anything stop you, that’s just what it takes,” he said with a smile, continuing “We’re in the U.S. and the opportunities are bountiful here.”
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