Olympic hopeful gymnast dies at 19 after horror accident in foam pit | Other | Sport
A promising teenage gymnast, who had his sights set on competing at the 2028 Olympics, has tragically died at the tender age of 19 after a 12-day battle in intensive care following a severe accident. Indonesia’s gymnastic authority confirmed in a statement that their rising star, Naufal Takdir Al Bari, sadly passed away after an extended hospital stay.
The police have now launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred inside a foam pit, a place designed for safe landings for gymnasts. Initial police reports suggest that Naufal suffered a grave neck injury while training in Russia. After executing a complex routine, he fell into a foam pit during his performance on the horizontal bar.
The young talent had been preparing to compete in this year’s Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, hosted in his home country, Indonesia. However, in a heartfelt tribute by the nation’s gymnastics body, it was confirmed that Naufal’s dream had been tragically cut short.
The statement read: “Athlete Naufal Takdir Al Bari has passed away to the mercy of Allah in Penza, Russia. The 19-year-old gymnast breathed his last after undergoing intensive care for 12 days at GA Zakharyin Hospital.”
Describing Naufal as a “talented gymnast”, the governing body expressed that his death is a massive loss not only to the sport but also to the global sporting community. They added that if he had continued on his current path, he could have easily qualified for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
“Indonesian Gymnastics has lost the nation’s best,” the statement concluded. “This is a deep blow and sorrow for us. May the family be given strength.”
In a separate statement, Vasily Titov, the vice president of Russia‘s gymnastics body, shed light on how Naufal had sustained his neck injury. He explained that Naufal had been injured while performing an entirely new routine that he was not prepared for.
“We conducted the necessary investigation, and all the circumstances surrounding the injury have been established,” Vasily disclosed. “Unfortunately, the athlete was not prepared to perform such a complex element.”
The leader added that Russia‘s federation of gymnasts would assist in the investigation, providing support to those affected during this dreadful time. They also stated they would aid in the “shipment and repatriation” of Naufal’s remains, ensuring he receives a proper burial.
