Hawaii's Pakele captures gymnastics gold in the Big Ten
A Central Oʻahu native is taking the collegiate gymnastics world by storm.
Jesse Pakele, a Salt Lake native and graduate of Hawai'i Technology Academy, earned a spot in the NCAA Men's Gymnastics National Championships in triumphant fashion, capturing Ohio State's first Big Ten floor exercise title in nine years.
The former Hawaiian Island Twisters standout posted a gold-medal score of 14.075 at the Big Ten Championships, sticking every pass of his routine and landing a spot on the All-Big Ten First Team.
'It's huge,' Pakele said. 'As long as I know I didn't leave any room for error in my routine, in my workouts, sleep, diet, recovery — everything. Just the fact that I was able to win proves I did everything I could. And it's amazing.'
Pakele admitted that the accomplishment didn't feel real at first.
'I'm not going to lie — I went to bed after the competition and woke up in a panic like, 'Did that actually happen?' Then I turned and saw my medal and was like, 'Yeah, that dream came true.''
Still, Pakele isn't lingering on the victory. He's focused on the NCAA Championships, set for Friday and Saturday in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he'll compete in the floor exercise. A national title would be Ohio State's first in the event since 2016.
Looking ahead, Pakele hopes to serve as a role model for young gymnasts in Hawai'i.
'Anybody can do it if you have the heart and confidence,' he said. 'You just need that passion for discipline, and it'll all come together. As soon as I step on the mat, I know I'm representing Hawai'i — and that'll stay with me forever.'
He credited his success to the foundation laid at Hawaiian Island Twisters, as well as the unwavering support of his parents.
'I wouldn't be here without them,' he said. 'I just want to shout out my mom and dad and my hometown gym. They really built me into the gymnast I am today.'
The NCAA Men's Gymnastics National Championships will be held April 19-20 in Michigan. For continued coverage, visit KHON2.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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