Comeback After Two Years Away
Australian gymnast Heath Thorpe is back on the world stage. After being left off the roster for two years, the 24-year-old has secured his place on Team Australia for the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia. Known for his artistry and bold routines, Thorpe says he is returning as a stronger and wiser athlete.
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Overcoming Past Disappointments
Thorpe last competed at the World Championships in 2022. The following year, he won the Australian All-Around title, yet was controversially snubbed for the team. Instead of stepping back, he trained harder. “The real ones know what it’s taken to get back here,” he shared on Instagram. “Countless hurdles and endless grit to say the least.”
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Strong Support From Fans and Athletes
The news of his comeback quickly spread online. Thousands of fans reacted, while athletes from gymnastics and other sports showed their support. Olympic swimmer Kyle Chalmers and gymnast Arthur Nory were among those cheering him on. Thorpe says his success is possible because of the “support network and fans who never stop believing.”
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Staying Visible Despite Setbacks
Missing the Paris 2024 Olympics was another tough moment in his journey. However, Thorpe stayed in the spotlight by working as a gymnastics analyst. He covered the 2023 World Championships and impressed audiences with his sharp commentary and insights. Even while away from competition, he continued contributing to the sport.
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Proving Himself on the International Stage
Thorpe has shown his competitive edge this year. He claimed gold on the horizontal bar at the Luxembourg Open and earned a silver medal at another international meet. A top-five finish at a World Cup event proved he can hold his own against the world’s best gymnasts.
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Championing Artistry and Change
Beyond medals, Thorpe has pushed for change in men’s gymnastics. He has long argued for artistry to be recognized more in scoring. This year, updates to the Code of Points finally reflected some of those values. Thorpe celebrated, saying, “Maybe my Mum is right. I may be having a bigger impact on gymnastics than I realize.”
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Pride and Representation in Sport
Thorpe is one of the few openly queer male gymnasts competing at the top level. He knows the importance of visibility. “When I was younger, there were no queer gymnasts on the world stage,” he said. “I now realize how important representation could have been.” His openness has inspired many young athletes around the world.
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A New Approach to Competition
Recently, Thorpe has embraced a more relaxed mindset. “I’m trying to enjoy myself more,” he admitted. “Stress doesn’t change the outcome of a competition. I just focus on having fun.” This new attitude has helped him balance performance with well-being.
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A Journey Beyond the Gym
Travel has also shaped Thorpe’s past year. He has shared adventures in Morocco, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. A highlight was reconnecting with close friend Simone Biles during last year’s World Championships, a reminder of the friendships he has built through gymnastics.
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Ready to Shine in Jakarta
This October, Thorpe will once again compete on the world stage. With resilience, artistry, and determination, he is ready to represent Australia in Jakarta. Fans are eager to see his long-awaited return, and Thorpe is prepared to seize the moment.
