Cayman gymnasts wrap up Pan American campaign in Brazil

Cayman’s gymnastics trio successfully wrapped up their campaign at the 2026 Pan American Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Competing from 17-21 June, Karthik Adapa, Sienna Santiago and Justin Spencer tested their skills on the international against gymnasts from the Americas and the Caribbean.

Competing in her first-ever senior international event, 16-year-old Santiago of home gym Motions Unlimited, tackled the women’s all-around category under the guidance of coach Alison Laidler.

Santiago performed across all four women’s apparatuses – vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise – ultimately securing 52nd place overall.

Reflecting on the milestone, Santiago said, “As this was my first time competing in an international competition of this level, I considered this very much a learning opportunity to become familiar with the format including the specific warm up, and multiple training days.”

Cayman gymnasts at 2026 Pan American Artistic Gymnastics Championships - Photos: Amy Sanderson

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Santiago added, “Regarding my performance, I’m overall pleased with how I competed and grateful to have gained some valuable experience. Rather than be concerned about the results, I focused more on the process. It was important for me to trust that I had prepared properly and just to perform and have fun.”

The young gymnast also embraced the atmosphere of elite competition, saying, “Some highlights [of my experience] include warming up and competing alongside current and potential Olympians, building relationships with fellow athletes, spending time with friends, and getting to do all that while competing in a new destination.”

On the men’s side, coached by Kyle Perry, Adapa and Spencer took on all six apparatuses: vault, high bar, pommel horse, parallel bars, floor exercise and rings.

Spencer, 18, from home gym Apex Gymnastics, also made his debut at the Senior Pan American level claiming a 41st place in the men’s all-around division.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old veteran Adapa made his fourth career appearance at the championships, showing immense resilience.

After sustaining an injury at the World Championships last October that limited his training, Adapa used the meet to test his fitness and push his limits, highlighted by debuting an advanced routine on the high bar.

The Apex Gymnastics athlete, who currently trains abroad at Notts Gymnastics Academy in the United Kingdom, finished 47th place in the all-around.

Beyond his individual efforts, Adapa served as a leader and source of support for his younger teammates throughout the multi-day competition.

Looking ahead to next month’s major events, Spencer and Santiago will aim carry this momentum forward at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games while Adapa shifts his sights towards the Central American and Caribbean Games.