Oct. 23, 2015
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior gymnast Caleb Fischle-Faulk is set to compete in the 2015 World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow, Scotland from October 23 to November 1. Fischle-Faulk will represent Jamaica, which is making its first appearance on an international stage.
The 10-day competition begins today and has over 500 gymnasts participating from all over the world, all of whom are looking for a chance to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
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“My goals for the competition are to hit all six of my routines as cleanly as possible,” Fischle-Faulk said. “I also want to show off to the world that Jamaica is an up-and-coming gymnastics power, as this is the first time a men’s team has ever represented Jamaica on the world stage.”
The competition consists of four days of qualifiers and six days of finals, all of which include team, all around, and individual events.
“This is one of the most prestigious events that a gymnast can have,” Iowa head coach JD Reive said. “For him to be able to go there, compete and represent Jamaica is potentially a career changing experience for him.”
Back in June, Fischle-Faulk qualified for the competition at the National Invitational in Trinidad after notching the top score on pommel horse with a 13.000 and tying for first on high bar with a score of 13.900.
“My performance there earned me a spot on the national team and a guaranteed spot to compete for Jamaica,” Fischle-Faulk said. “My focus was on consistency and clean routines, which I’m definitely showing so far.”
Fischle-Faulk is one of six athletes representing Jamaica. Among the other 494 gymnasts, there are a few are familiar faces from around the Big Ten Conference, including Hawkeye All-American Javier Balboa.
“I’ve seen other collegiate athletes from the Big Ten, representing countries like Puerto Rico and Mexico. I had a chance to catch up with an Iowa alum, Javier Balboa, who is competing for Mexico and looking in top form.”
Fischle-Faulk has proved a lot earning this opportunity and has gained confidence throughout the experience. He knows he has risen to the highest level of gymnastics in the world.
“The whole experience has been very inspiring and motivating, as I can see firsthand the highest level that gymnastics can be taken to,” Fischle-Faulk said. “The most satisfying thing about the whole thing in my opinion is that people who I used to look up on YouTube and be inspired by are standing right next to me, and we all have the same goal to hit our sets and stick our landings.
“I just want to really enjoy the gymnastics and performing alongside such great gymnasts.”
