Cayman’s gymnast Igor Magalhaes, 17, is looking to further pursue his junior gymnastics skills, after receiving a developmental scholarship from the Federation International de Gymnastique (FIG).
FIG received 45 applicants from 27 nations and Magalhaes was one of 12 athletes selected for the scholarships that entails training across men’s artistic gymnastics, women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and trampoline.
“I was very honored to receive the scholarship, which is pretty much financial aid to help me in my training to prepare for my next junior year and the Pan-American games,” said Magalhaes.
Magalhaes has represented the Cayman Islands at several international competition; even winning his overall division at the 2017 Caribbean Championship. He said the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed him from utilising the opportunity given by FIG.
“If Covid didn’t interrupt I’d be going abroad,” said Magalhaes. “So I can work in a better facility and get to experience some foam pits which will better my performance and make me more prepared.”
He added he’ll use the scholarship at an undecided facility in the United States and he plans to start his training “hopefully” next year.
“I’d like to thank Coach Kyle (Perry) mainly, for everything he’s done in and outside of the gym relating to Covid,” said Magalhaes. “I would also really like to thank the Cayman Islands Gymnastic Association for giving me the opportunity. I’ll put this to good use.”
Did you know
the Federation International de Gymnastique was founded on July 23, 1881, in Liège, Belgium, making it the world’s oldest existing international sports organisation.
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