Turner Donnell Whittenberg makes history as the first American world champion on still rings

In a historic sixth trip to the world championships, Team USA gymnast Donnell Whittenberg has finally reached the top of the podium. Whittenberg rode to gold on the rings this morning in Jakarta, beating challenger and 2022 world champion on the rings, Adam Asil of Turkey.

With his triumph, Whittenberg became the first American man to win gold on the rings. Perhaps even more impressive – at age 31 – the veteran became the oldest American man to win a world title in gymnastics.

This medal marks Whittenburg’s third at the World Championships, joining team bronze in 2014 and vault bronze in 2015.

Known for his “titanic strength” and very difficult dismount (which bears his name as a namesake skill), Whittenberg looked in disbelief as the judges posted his score (14,700) to confirm the gold.

“It doesn’t feel real,” Whittenburg said Olympics.com after his victory. Although he admitted that this gold medal was “not on his radar,” he is enjoying the moment. “When you get this kind of opportunity you just have to appreciate it for what it is, and I couldn’t be happier.”

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

Final results (Medalists):

1. Donnell Whittenburg (United States) 14,700
2. I’m as Aille as (surtuy) 14.5
3. Lan Xingyu (China) 14,500

From retirement considerations to world title

This gold medal has extra meaning for the native of Baltimore, Maryland. Despite his longevity in the sport, Whittenberg has yet to make an Olympic team as a competitive athlete. He has been appointed deputy twice (2016, 2024).

Furthermore, after narrowly missing the team in 2024 and suffering an Achilles injury, Whittenberg considered retiring. However, the then 30-year-old decided he had more to achieve in the sport.

“I still have a lot of gymnastics to teach,” he said Olympics.com in October.

Now the fan favorite can check ‘World Champion’ off his list. Although today’s victory will be difficult to emulate, Whittenberg is not done in Jakarta yet.

He will compete in the men’s parallel bars final on Saturday. Although it is unlikely that he will compete for gold there, anything is possible in the sport of gymnastics.

With three years to go between Jakarta 2025 and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Whittenberg is on course for his ultimate goal and shows no signs of stopping.