In a groundbreaking achievement at his sixth World Championships appearance, U.S. gymnast Donnell Whittenburg has finally ascended to the pinnacle of his sport. Earlier today in Jakarta, Whittenburg clinched the gold medal in the still rings event, outshining his fiercest competitor, Adam Asil of Turkey, who claimed the title in 2022.

With this victory, Whittenburg has etched his name in history as the first American male gymnast to secure a gold medal on the rings. His accomplishment is further distinguished by his age; at 31, he has become the oldest American man ever to win a world gymnastics title.

This latest triumph adds to Whittenburg’s collection of World Championship medals, which includes a team bronze from 2014 and a vault bronze from 2015.

Renowned for his immense strength and a dismount so challenging it carries his name, Whittenburg was visibly stunned as the judges revealed his winning score of 14.700, confirming his golden victory. He was immediately congratulated by his coach, Syque Caesar, a former Olympian from EVO Gymnastics.

In his 12-year tenure representing USA Gymnastics on the global stage, Donnell Whittenburg has delivered a career-defining performance.

Final Results (Medalists):

In his 12th year representing USA Gymnastics on the international stage, Donnell Whittenburg has delivered his best gymnastics.

Final Results (Medalists):

1. Donnell Whittenburg (United States) 14.700
2. Adem Asil (Turkey) 14.566
3. Lan Xingyu (China) 14.500

From Retirement Considerations to World Title

This gold medal carries extra meaning for the Baltimore, Maryland, native. Despite his longevity in the sport, Whittenburg has yet to make an Olympic team as a competing athlete. He has twice been named an alternate (2016, 2024).

Further, after narrowly missing the team in 2024 and incurring an Achilles injury, Whittenburg considered retirement. However, the then-30-year-old determined he had more to accomplish in the sport.

I still have a lot of gymnastics to give,” he told Olympics.com in October.

Now, the fan-favorite can check “World Champion” off his list. While today’s triumph will be hard to match, Whittenburg is not done yet in Jakarta.

He is slated to compete in Saturday’s men’s parallel bars final. Though he is unlikely to challenge for gold there, anything is possible in the sport of gymnastics.

With three years remaining between Jakarta 2025 and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Whittenburg is on pace for his ultimate goal and shows no signs of stopping.