COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Former Cardinal standout Akash Modi earned a spot on the 2018 U.S. World Championships Team, selection committee officials announced Saturday night following a two-day competition during the World Team Selection Camp.
Modi joined Sam Mikulak, Yul Moldauer, Colin Van Wicklen and Alec Yoder on the five-man team that will represent the USA at the 2018 World Championships, Oct. 25-Nov. 4, in Doha, Qatar. The eight-man World Championships Training squad includes the five gymnasts on the team, the traveling alternate and the two non-traveling alternates.
An alternate for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team, Modi placed fourth in the all-around (165.900) overall, including an 83.850 on the second day of competition that tied for second. Modi took second on floor (14.200), fourth on pommel horse (14.550), sixth on still rings (13.450), sixth on vault (14.450), third on parallel bars (13.650) and third on horizontal bar (13.550).
The 2018 World Championships provide the first opportunity for countries to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games. The three countries that medal in the team competition advance to the Games.
Modi qualified for the 2018-19 U.S. Senior National team following the conclusion of the U.S. Gymnastics Championships last month in Boston.
Modi was the recipient of the 2017 Nissen-Emery Award, presented annually to the nation's outstanding senior gymnast based on athletic achievement, academic excellence and sportsmanship. A five-time NCAA individual champion and 12-time All-American, Modi capped his career in 2017 as a two-time Academic All-American. Modi was also an alternate for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team.