Weeks before making her second appearance at the Asian Championship, the Cal Golden Bears gymnast Tonya Paulsson revealed the unfortunate news involving an injury.

The 22-year-old was set to compete in her second Asian Championship at Zunyi, China, scheduled for June 25–28. However, a June 12 X post by Gymnastics Now announced that Paulsson will withdraw due to a ligament tear.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be competing at the Asian Championship later this month,” she wrote on her socials. “MRI results confirmed a ruptured ligament in my thumb.”

While the gymnast hasn’t disclosed any further details on the injury, the photo showed her wearing a cast. And this ends her rerun at this event this year, where she was placed fourth in the all-around competition in 2025.

Last year, the event was held at Jecheon, South Korea, and the Swedish-born gymnast previously switched her nationality to represent Chinese Taipei. Shortly after, Paulsson joined the Bears as a freshman in the 2025 session and won the 2026 ACC Newcomer of the Year.

Injury setbacks aren’t uncommon for a gymnast. But given her last year’s excitement, this is undoubtedly a disheartening event for Paulsson.

The Pride Behind Paulsson's Nationality Switch

Paulsson decided to switch nationalities in 2024. And after winning all-around bronze and silver on beam in the World University Games in Essen in 2025, she expressed her feelings about it.

“It was quite emotional, to be honest… Competing for Taiwan, I am proud,” she said of representing Chinese Taipei in Essen. “My mom, dad and sister are very proud and thankful that I got to do this for Taiwan.”

As of June 2026, Paulsson has represented Taiwan twice internationally. While her third run was marred by the injury, she’ll surely have a long run at it in the future.

Do you think Paulsson will get back to the Asian Championship after her recovery? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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Written by

Deblina Roy