Eric Boggs
Ohio State senior gymnast Kameron Nelson delivered a performance to remember on Saturday night, capturing the NCAA national championship in vault with an exceptional score of 14.633. Sticking his landing flawlessly, Nelson secured his place in Buckeye history, becoming the program’s first individual national champion since Alec Yoder claimed the pommel horse title in 2019.
Nelson’s national title punctuates an extraordinary senior season that has been nothing short of groundbreaking. Earlier this year, he made gymnastics history on a global scale by becoming the first athlete to land two triple backflips in a single floor routine. His continued excellence was on full display at the NCAA championships, where he not only earned gold in the vault but also secured a third-place finish in floor, further cementing his All-American status.
The Buckeyes saw another standout performance from Parker Thackston, who earned All-American honors with a sixth-place finish in pommel horse. While the team narrowly missed advancing to the finals—finishing fourth in Friday’s NCAA qualifier—the individual successes of Nelson and Thackston were a bright spot for the Scarlet and Gray. Michigan ultimately took home the NCAA team championship.
For Ohio State fans, Nelson’s triumph is a proud reminder of the elite talent and relentless determination that define Buckeye athletics. His national title not only marks a milestone in his personal career but also adds another chapter to Ohio State’s storied legacy in collegiate gymnastics.
