Quebecer René Cournoyer described his participation in the individual all-around final of the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships as “the icing on the sundae” of his week in Antwerp, Belgium.
Thursday, Cournoyer demonstrated the extent of his talent by placing 12th (81.365 points) in the final which was won by the Japanese Daiki Hashimoto (86.132 points), who retained his world title.
“I’m on cloud nine! It’s crazy to think that a year ago I couldn’t walk, and here I am 12th in the world. It’s a great accomplishment, I’m proud to have made it through the three days of competition, to have had good performances and not to have fallen. I’m really happy,” Cournoyer said in an interview with Sportcom.
Although he had missed the 2022 world championships due to a ligament injury to his right knee, the gymnast from Repentigny wasted no time in winning the final on Thursday. He started his day strong on the rings, scoring 13.766 points, the fourth best score of the day on that apparatus.
Cournoyer then showed consistency to the other aircraft to consolidate his place in the top 12 of the final, having taken 17th place during the qualifications held on Sunday.
“It wasn’t easy to finish the day on pommel horse, but I think everything went well. I got through the routine without falling. I’m also quite proud of what I did on the high bar throughout the week, despite the stress and fatigue, it was really a success. »
Behind Hashimoto, it was the Ukrainian Illia Kovtun (84.994 points) who took the second step of the podium. The American Frederick Richard (84.332 points) ended the day with the bronze medal around his neck.
Félix Dolci will be the last Canadian representative to see action at the World Championships this weekend. He will participate in the individual floor final on Saturday, before concluding his stay in Belgium with the individual high bar final on Sunday.
“All the members of the team, both the guys and the girls, encouraged me today (Thursday), and we are going to do the same thing during the weekend for Félix. We will give him the energy he needs. He’s going to have a lot of support,” Cournoyer concluded.