David, Walker book Pan Am gymnastics final spots

JAMAICA’S PAIR of Isabelle David and Alana Walker will aim at securing medals for the country when they contest the women’s all-round final later today at the 2024 Pan American Gymnastics Championships being held in San Marta, Colombia.

David safely navigated her way through the qualifiers, amassing an overall score of 47.967 which left her 12th of the 24 qualifiers. Walker, who is returning to the sport after a three-year absence, booked her spot as the 16th-best qualifier with a score of 47.067.

Walker says, while she is happy to have booked a spot in the final, she is even more happy to be participating after a long break away from a sport she loves.

“It felt really good to get back out there on an international competition after a long three years off. Although it wasn’t my best, I’m proud of how I performed yesterday. It was fun to be out there with Issy (Isabelle David) and the coaching staff, and I was very excited when I found out I made the all-round finals,” she said.

Walker is also eager to get going later today, in search of medals.

“I’m very thankful to Team Jamaica for their continued support and belief in me. I’m ready to get back out there, do my best and represent Jamaica along with Issy,” said Walker.

While David was also pleased about making it to the final, she can see where more work needs to be done.

“It is such a great accomplishment and I’m proud of myself for being able to achieve it. I’m so honoured that I was able to represent Jamaica to the best of my abilities during the qualifying competition. I’m excited to have another opportunity to represent Jamaica during the all-round finals competition, and I hope to hit four out of four events again and show off all the skills that I’ve worked so hard to get,” she said.

Mexico’s Michelle Pineda (52.533), Brazil’s Andreza Lima (51.966), and Canada’s Emma Spence (50.900) are the top three qualifiers through to today’s final.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com