America's latest teen superstar Asher Hong wins first men's national gymnastics title
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA: Rick Hong and Karen Hong are the parents of the teenage gymnastics superstar Asher Hong, as per USA Gymnastics. Asher was born to the couple in Plano, Texas, and currently resides in Tomball.
The 19-year-old, who graduated from high school in 2022, is the first teenager to win the men’s all-around title for the 2023 US Gymnastics Championships since John Orozco in 2012, according to the Associated Press.
View this post on Instagram
Asher Hong’s journey to success in 2023 US Gymnastics Championships
After spending the 2022 US Championships competing for his home club in Texas and gaining a third-place title, Asher Hong joined the Stanford University Cardinal in 2023, paving his way to success.
On Saturday, August 26, Asher was especially pumped up and surrounded by his teammates from Cardinal as he showed immaculate precision during the final segment of his set.
View this post on Instagram
The teenager made a two-day total of 170.930, which was way ahead of his Stanford teammate Khoi Young. Young, 20, ultimately went on to obtain the second place, finishing at 169.455, whereas Fred Richard, 19, got third place.
Asher opined that Stanford Coach Thom Glielmi’s team-first approach helped him regroup, as he spent the night rotating with six of his teammates, including Young. This practice, naturally, helped him to finish strong.
"Thom always says that last two events, you know, that’s where the real gymnastics is,” stated Asher, before adding, "Show up and bring the energy (for the rest of the team)," as per the Associated Press.
Asher Hong aims for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Asher as well as Young and Richard’s success in the 2023 US Gymnastics Championships, will pave their way for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "We need to hit a home run at that Olympic Games in order to boost the sport," said Asher about his aspiration.
America has not made a top podium finish in a team game since the 2014 World Championships, thus making their win a massive step towards strengthening men’s gymnastics as a sport, according to the Associated Press.
What’s next for Asher Hong in his gymnastics career?
On Sunday, August 27, the five-man team for the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, Antwerp, will be announced, and after the terrific performance, Asher hopes to see his name on the roster.
Notably, the 19-year-old also achieved another remarkable feat during the US Gymnastics Championships by breaking the 85-point mark for an all-around score on both days.
In an interview, Asher said, "I feel great about everything. [Saturday] started a little bit slow with the competition. High bar, obviously I was super motivated after the hit. Floor was a little bit rough," about his experience at the event.
"[Pommel] horse was a little bit rough. But then got back on it. The energy was there for rings, vault and [parallel bars]. I’m really happy with how today went," explained the champion, as per The Washington Post.
What is Asher Hong's height?
Asher Hong measures 5 ft 1 in (154.9 cm), making him the shortest gymnast enlisted in the Stanford roster, as per the college website.
Before his recent feat, the teenager became a 2023 NCAA team champion as well as an MPSF team champion. Asher has also collected the accolades of being a three-time NCAA All-American.