2028 Olympics Hopeful Dead At 19 After Training Accident

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Sep 26, 2025 4:56 PM ET

A 19-year-old gymnast with hopes of competing at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles has tragically lost his life.

According to ABC News, men's gymnast Naufal Takdir Al Bari of Indonesia died on Thursday after suffering a serious neck injury during training in Russia. Per the report, he fell awkwardly into a foam pit while training on the high bar. He was in intensive care for nearly two weeks before dying.

"Indonesian men's gymnast Naufal Takdir Al Bari died on Thursday after suffering a neck injury in training, according to the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation," the outlet reported.

"Al Bari, 19, was at a training camp in Penza, Russia, when he fell awkwardly into a foam pit while training the high bar, according to Russian staff speaking to state media. He subsequently spent 12 days in intensive care before succumbing to his injury."

Indonesian men's gymnast Naufal Takdir Al Bari died after suffering a neck injury in training, according to the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation.

The 19-year-old was at a training camp in Russia when he fell awkwardly into a foam pit while training the high bar, according to… pic.twitter.com/SphkDMNE8F
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) September 26, 2025

In the aftermath of his passing, Indonesian Gymnastics chair Ita Yuliati offered his condolences and called Al Bari's passing a deep blow for both his family and the entire country.

"[Al Bari] was a talented young athlete and a good person. Indonesian gymnastics has lost one of the nation's finest sons. This is a deep blow and sorrow for us," Yuliati said. “May the family be given strength.”

SOCHI, RUSSIA - FEBRUARY 04: A general view of the Olympic rings ahead of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics at the Olympic Park on February 4, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Investigation

Given that the tragedy occurred in Russia, the Russian Gymnastics Federation is set to investigate Al Bari's death. In a statement, RGF Vice President Vasily Titov said that the organization sends its condolences and will provide all assistance in the investigation.

"We will certainly provide assistance, if necessary, in the shipment and repatriation of the body. We sent our condolences to the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation today, informed them of what happened, and we have done everything that needed to be done," Titov said.

The initial conclusion is that Al Bari attempted a maneuver that he was not prepared for. They did not specify which.

"We conducted the necessary investigation, and all the circumstances surrounding the injury have been established. Unfortunately, the athlete was not prepared to perform such a complex element."

Our hearts go out to Al Bari's family and loved ones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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