FLORIDA GYMNASTICS: Kayla DiCello Wins Gold at Pan Am Games

The gymnastics portion of the Pan American Games took place on Sunday and Monday and the Florida Gators saw two representatives participating.

Photo courtesy Hannah White/floridagators.com

Kayla DiCello helped the U.S. win the team gold, its sixth consecutive gold medal at the Pan American games. She also took home the gold medal in the all-around final, posting a 54.565 score through the four events.

DiCello narrowly beat out Flavia Saraiva of Brazil (54.565) to win the gold. Meanwhile, the Americans won more handily, with a team score of 165.196, more than three points higher than silver medal winners Brazil. Canada rounded out the medaling nations, coming in third to take home bronze.

The Gators gymnast is the first American to win the all-around gold medal at the Pan American Games since Bridgette Caquatto, a former Florida All-American, won in 2011.

Anya Pilgrim, a Gator freshman, also competed in the games and placed 18th overall in the competition.

It has been an eventful month for DiCello, who also won a gold medal as an alternate on the U.S. 2023 World Championships team.

The reigning SEC Freshman of the Year is not done at the Pan Am Games as she prepares for the balance beam and floor exercise finals which will take place on Wednesday.

DiCello announced earlier this year that she would be taking a gap year in hopes of qualifying for the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team. She does still plan on returning to Florida for the 2025 season after the Olympics.