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Wiskus Helps USA Punch Team Final, Tokyo Tickets at Worlds
10/7/2019 8:24:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
Gopher junior captain Shane Wiskus contributed greatly for Team USA in his first-ever World Gymnastics Championships appearance on Monday, helping the United States qualify for a team final and a spot in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The U.S. scored 250.359 on Monday morning to sit in fourth place overall in the team standings through six subdivisions. The top eight advance to the Worlds final, and the top nine from qualification other than China, Japan and Russia will also earn bids to Tokyo. Upon completion of Subdivision 6, Team USA officially punched its ticket to the 2020 Olympic Games.
Wiskus, who has been dubbed "The Rookie" for the United States, proved to be critical in the first two events. Team USA suffered three falls on floor and pommel horse, but Shane was able to stay composed and hit on both. His scores counted toward the United States' three allowed and gave the men a boost through a tough start.
The day started on floor, where Shane scored a 13.466, second-best for the United States behind former Stanford gymnast Akash Modi. The second event, pommel horse, was much of the same as Modi and Wiskus led the red, white and blue. Shane again tallied a second-best 12.866.
He did not compete rings or vault, but the United States was able to gain back some ground in those events and sat in sixth place after four rotations.
Wiskus, the reigning NCAA parallel bar champion, stepped into an incredibly deep U.S. lineup and earned a solid 14.033. His score did not count toward the team's total, but was good enough to crack the top 20 of all routines competed through five subdivisions.
Heading into the final rotation, Shane saved his best for last. The youngest athlete for the United States put down an outstanding, stuck routine and scored 14.166, only behind two-time Olympian Sam Mikulak for his country. He was also ninth overall, just holding him out of event final contention.
Team Canada also competed in Monday's early subdivision and is currently in 12th place. Gopher alum Justin Karstadt was named Canada's alternate prior to competition.
Next up for Wiskus and Team USA is the team final, which will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at 6:45 a.m. CST. The final will be streamed live via NBC (cable login required) and will be televised live on the Olympic Channel. A delayed broadcast will also air on NBCSN at 2 p.m.
Fans can also follow Gopher Men's Gymnastics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for live coverage.