Celebrating triumphs and inclusivity at the 2023 DSIGO World Championships

Tshwane, South Africa – September 24, 2023 – Over the weekend, Matsport Centre in Tshwane, South Africa, became a hub of inspiration and inclusivity as Gymnastics South Africa proudly hosted the fourth edition of the Down Syndrome International Gymnastics (DSIGO) World Championships. The event welcomed athletes from six nations, including South Africa, Italy, Mexico, Bulgaria, Argentina, and the USA. 

The DSIGO Gymnastics World Championships stands out for its commitment to inclusion and empowerment. Featuring both artistic gymnastics (male and female) and rhythmic gymnastics (female) events, each with varying levels of difficulty and distinct judging criteria, the competition champions the physical excellence and empowerment of individuals with Down Syndrome.

"I believe it was an outstanding success on all fronts, said Allan Chadwick," Chair of the Gymnastics South Africa Local Organising Committee. "Team SA visitors were very positive, with three teams extending their stay in South Africa. For the federation, it gave us a kickstart to move our disability programs forward into the front and center. The volunteer and LOC team were given valuable insight and experience into the hosting of disability events. Many found it to be a moving and humbling experience." 

"I must admit, there were some surprising results at the event. Take Charles Phillips, for example, who went from no medals in Italy in December 2022 to winning four medals at this event. There was also an impressive performance by the senior Women's Artistic Gymnast from Mexico, Maria Barbara Wetzel Aguilar. She had an exceptionally clean competition and managed to hold off the experienced Chelsea Werner from the USA," adds Chadwick. 

Notable medallists who showcased their exceptional talent and dedication included: 

All-Around Junior Men's Artistic Gymnastics Medallists: 

• Gold: James Bateman - South Africa 
• Silver: Zac Rees - South Africa 

• Bronze: Oliver Rogers - South Africa 

All-Around Senior Men's Artistic Gymnastics Medallists: 

• Gold: Claudio Fabiani - Italy 
• Silver: Riccardo Maino - Italy 

• Bronze: Juan Ignacio Alarcon – Argentina 

Men's Artistic Gymnastics - Senior Apparatus Final - Floor Exercise: 

• Gold: Riccardo Maino - Italy 
• Silver: Claudio Fabiani - Italy 

• Bronze: Juan Ignacio Alarcon – Argentina 

Men's Artistic Gymnastics - Senior Apparatus Final - Pommel Horse: 

• Gold: Riccardo Maino - Italy 
• Silver: Claudio Fabiani - Italy 

• Bronze: Charles Phillips - South Africa 

Men's Artistic Gymnastics - Senior Apparatus Final - Still Rings: 

• Gold: Claudio Fabiani - Italy 
• Silver: Riccardo Maino - Italy 

• Bronze: Charles Phillips - South Africa 

Men's Artistic Gymnastics - Senior Apparatus Final - Vault: 

• Gold: Juan Ignacio Alarcon - Argentina 
• Silver: Claudio Fabiani - Italy 

• Bronze: Gianpietro Hiroki Zanchi – Italy 

Men's Artistic Gymnastics - Senior Apparatus Final - Parallel Bars: 

• Gold: Claudio Fabiani - Italy 
• Silver: Riccardo Maino - Italy 

• Bronze: Charles Phillips - South Africa 

Men's Artistic Gymnastics - Senior Apparatus Final - Horizontal Bars: 

• Gold: Claudio Fabiani - Italy 
• Silver: Juan Ignacio Alarcon - Argentina 

• Bronze: Charles Phillips - South Africa 
•  

All-Around Senior Women's Artistic Gymnastics Medallists: 

• Gold: Maria Barbara Wetzel Aguilar - Mexico 
• Silver: Chelsea Werner - United States 

• Bronze: Aurora Zonta - Italy 

Women's Artistic Gymnastics - Junior Apparatus Finals - All-Around Competition: 

• Gold: Helena Michelle Cardenas Valencia – Mexico 

Women's Artistic Gymnastics - Junior Apparatus Finals - Vault: 

• Gold: Helena Michelle Cardenas Valencia – Mexico 

Women's Artistic Gymnastics - Junior Apparatus Finals - Uneven Bars: 

• Gold: Helena Michelle Cardenas Valencia – Mexico 

Women's Artistic Gymnastics - Junior Apparatus Finals - Balance Beam: 

• Gold: Helena Michelle Cardenas Valencia – Mexico 

Women's Artistic Gymnastics - Junior Apparatus Finals - Floor Exercise: 

• Gold: Helena Michelle Cardenas Valencia – Mexico 

Women's Artistic Gymnastics - Senior Apparatus Finals: 

• Gold: Maria Barbara Wetzel Aguilar - Mexico 
• Silver: Chelsea Werner - USA 

• Bronze: Aurora Zonta – Italy 

Women's Artistic Gymnastics - Senior Apparatus Finals - Vault: 

• Gold: Maria Barbara Wetzel Aguilar - Mexico 
• Silver: Aurora Zonta - Italy 

• Bronze: Alice Beccari – Italy 

Women's Artistic Gymnastics - Senior Apparatus Finals - Uneven Bars: 

• Gold: Chelsea Werner - United States 
• Silver: Maria Barbara Wetzel Aguilar - Mexico 

• Bronze: Aurora Zonta – Italy 

Women's Artistic Gymnastics - Senior Apparatus Finals - Balance Beam: 

• Gold: Aurora Zonta - Italy 
• Silver: Chelsea Werner - United States (Tied) 

• Silver: Alice Beccari - Italy (Tied) 
• Bronze: Maria Barbara Wetzel Aguilar – Mexico 

Women's Artistic Gymnastics - Senior Apparatus Finals - Floor Exercise: 

• Gold: Maria Barbara Wetzel Aguilar - Mexico 

• Silver: Chelsea Werner - United States 
• Bronze: Alice Beccari – Italy 

Rhythmic Gymnastics - Juniors Total: 

• Gold: Megan Le Roux - South Africa 

• Silver: Victoria Giuricich - South Africa 
• Bronze: Coco Surman - South Africa 

Rhythmic Gymnastics - Seniors Total: 

• Gold: Dilyana Popova - Bulgaria 

• Silver: Vasilena Bogdanova – Bulgaria 

Advanced Senior Total: 

• Gold: Daniela Cotogni - Italy 

"The DSIGO Gymnastics World Championships transcended the boundaries of competition. It was a celebration of friendship, courage, values, and honesty," added Gymnastics South Africa President Donovan Jurgens. 

"The DSIGO Gymnastics World Championships 2023 demonstrated the power of sport in promoting inclusivity, breaking barriers, and inspiring us all to reach for greater heights." 

For all the results please click here: https://gymnasticssa.co.za/results#