In a thrilling display of gymnastics prowess, the Kentucky Wildcats brought the excitement to Rupp Arena as they faced off against the Georgia Bulldogs in the 2024 Excite Night. With over 10,000 passionate fans in attendance, it was clear that this was a night to remember.
The first rotation saw Kentucky dominate on the vault. Senior Isabella Magnelli and fifth-year Raena Worley set the stage with impressive scores of 9.925 and 9.900, respectively. But it was junior Makenzie Wilson who stole the show with her flawless vault. The crowd held its breath as Wilson stuck the landing, and erupted with joy when the judges awarded her a perfect 10.000. This marked the first perfect score for a UK gymnast in over 25 years, leaving Wilson overwhelmed with emotion.
“Amazing, emotional, all the things,” Wilson expressed. “I’m almost at a loss for words because the love that I felt from that was just insane and unlike any other. It was great.”
Wilson’s achievement also held historical significance. She became the first gymnast, apart from Jenny Hansen, to achieve a perfect vault score in Kentucky gymnastics history. Hansen, a three-time NCAA all-around champion and UK Athletics Hall of Famer, achieved a perfect score 21 times during her time at Kentucky. It was fitting that Hansen was in attendance on this special night as the gymnastics program celebrated its 50th year.
“I’m honored to be able to stand by her,” Wilson shared. “That’s crazy to me. To think that me, some little, small-town girl from Tennessee can do big things like that is crazy.”
The excitement continued to build as the meet went on. Worley, in her final Excite Night with Hansen present, saved the best for last. She delivered a flawless floor routine that earned her the first perfect 10.000 of her career. It was a moment that she had been working towards for a long time, and she was able to share the celebration with her parents.
“Surreal. Very exciting. Worth the work,” Worley expressed. “Mom and dad have always told me I don’t need a 10 to be special for them.”
With these remarkable performances, Kentucky secured a resounding victory over Georgia, with a final score of 197.950-195.650. The Wildcats also set a new program record, surpassing their earlier achievement of 197.850 in Las Vegas at the start of the season.
Worley also claimed her 23rd career all-around title, totaling an impressive score of 39.600. Competing on her final Excite Night with the legendary Hansen in attendance made the victory even more meaningful for Worley.
“It’s just crazy,” Worley said. “The history she has at Kentucky is absolutely insane. So, to be able to do something as significant as she did in her time is so special to me.”
Excite Night truly lived up to its name, as the UK gymnastics team thrilled the crowd with their outstanding performances and honored the rich history of the program. This victory will be remembered as a defining moment for the Wildcats and a testament to their hard work and dedication.
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