Nearly everybody in the Fremd gym stopped what they were doing — even other competing gymnasts — to watch Niles West junior Dalai Jamiyankhuu’s routine on the high bar.
Audible oohs and ahs filled the air while Jamiyankhuu wowed fans, gymnasts, coaches and officials on his way to winning the boys gymnastics sectional title with a score of 7.950. It was one of four first-place finishes for Jamiyankhuu, who also captured the all-around championship on Saturday, May 9, in Palatine.
“Yes, I could hear everything,” Jamiyankhuu said. “That was a cool moment.”
But Jamiyankhuu’s appearance at the sectional was cause for celebration, too. Jamiyankhuu was competing in only his third meet of the season — and first in all six rotations — since recovering from a bilateral fracture of the L5 vertebrae in his back, an injury due to overuse, he said. Jamiyankhuu’s first competition was an invite at Niles North on Friday, April 24.
“I was worried about missing the season because I would not be fully healed,” said Jamiyankhuu, whose rehab mostly consisted of rest. “But there’s been no irritation or pain or stress. I feel pretty good.”
Now a state qualifier in all three of his seasons, Jamiyankhuu also won pommel horse (8.750), floor exercise (9.300) and parallel bars (8.600). He totaled 51.800 to win the all-around. Jamiyankhuu placed fourth on the still rings (8.400) to earn another automatic berth. The top five and ties in each event advanced to the state meet. He also received an at-large berth in the vault (8.800).
“He was phenomenal,” Niles West coach Adrian Batista said. “He was on fire.”
With Jamiyankhuu back in the lineup, the Wolves won the sectional (146.850) and qualified for back-to-back state trips. Last year’s appearance was the first since the 1985-86 school year.
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“We didn’t think we’d have him back, but it all worked out,” Batista said. “He makes us a state qualifier.”
Jamiyankhuu had the second-best all-around score among competitors at the five sectionals. Only Wheaton Warrenville South senior Ben Szot (53.850) earned a higher score.
Jamiyankhuu tempered his expectations for the state meet, which is Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, at Hinsdale Central. After all, last week was the first week he practiced all six events this season.
“We will see how it goes,” he said. “It’s all about getting all of my skills back. Some have come faster than others. But I was happy with how I did [Saturday, May 9].”
Twitter: @harnesspreps