STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford gymnast Kai Uemura and recent Cardinal graduate Colt Walker are set to represent Team USA this week at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Essen, Germany.
The Cardinal duo are a part of a five-man Team USA roster, which also includes Tate Costa (Illinois), Patrick Hoopes (Air Force), and Alex Nitache (Nebraska). The men's artistic gymnastics competition will run from July 23-26, with the competition schedule slated as follows:
World University Games Schedule (All times Eastern)
Wednesday, July 23
9:30 a.m. - Team Final / Individual Qualification (Subdivision 6)
Friday, July 25
4 a.m. - Men’s All-Around Final
Saturday, July 26
4 a.m. - Men’s Floor Exercise Final
5:19 a.m. - Men’s Pommel Horse Final
6:39 a.m. - Men’s Still Rings Final
9 a.m. - Men’s Vault Final
10:21 a.m. - Men’s Parallel Bars Final
11:39 a.m. - Men’s Horizontal Bar Final
Ahead of this week's action at the World University Games, Cardinal alum Colt Walker shared some words about the travel experience with Team USA thus far:
"Prior to traveling to Germany for the World University Games, our team decided to arrive in Europe a bit early to give ourselves more time to acclimate to the time zone of the competition. Through our assistant coach and 3x Olympian, Ruben Lopez-Martinez, who spent years training with the Spanish national team, we were able to organize a short training camp at their national facility in Barcelona.
That extra time made a big difference. We arrived in Germany already adjusted and ready to hit the ground running for podium training. Just as importantly, training and living together in Spain strengthened our bond as a team. Sharing the same routine in a new environment gave us time to connect, push each other, and grow as a unit.
Barcelona itself was incredible. The architecture, the food, the culture all reminded us how much growth can come from stepping outside our routine. Trips like this are rare, and taking advantage to experience another culture alongside new teammates made it even more meaningful.
Huge thanks to everyone who helped make it possible. We’re heading into the World University Games better prepared, connected, and with a more developed global perspective."