A journey that started quietly at a small gym in Woking has now reached the very top of NCAA vault rankings, but the rise behind it is what makes it stand out, and it belongs to Jasper Smith-Gordon.

Jasper Smith-Gordon is now the top-ranked vaulter in NCAA gymnastics. The UC Berkeley senior secured the number one ranking after a career-best 14.550 score this season. His rise follows fifteen years of foundation training at the Woking Gymnastics Club.

Looking back at his early training at Woking, the former Woking Gymnastics Club athlete reflected on his roots and said,

““I think the biggest thing Woking Gymnastics gave me was an understanding of respect and discipline,” said Smith-Gordon. “The coaching staff at Woking particularly focuses on respect and discipline, ensuring each athlete develops into a hardworking and goal-oriented young adult."

Smith-Gordon began training at Woking Gymnastics Club at just four years old and spent 15 years developing his skills there. Over time, he moved from beginner classes into the men’s elite squad under coaches Simon Elliot, Craig Woodhams, and Steve Elwood, gradually developing his skills through each stage.

At the NCAA Finals, he also finished in the top 10 in both vault and pommel horse, showing good performances across events. This rise is the result of years of training at Woking Gymnastics Club.

His progress through college gymnastics now moves into the next phase of his story.

Journey From Woking Club to NCAA’s No. 1 Ranking

From a local gymnastics club to the top of the NCAA vault rankings, Smith-Gordon's rise didn't happen overnight, and it took years of showing up and putting in the work.

While competing for UC Berkeley, Gordon maintained strong scores throughout the 2026 season, topped the NCAA vault rankings, and set a best score of 14.550. His vault routines have been known for clean landings and steady control, which helped him score consistently through the season.

Along with his performances, Smith-Gordon won three Regular Season All-American honours in vault and also became a three-time CGA First-Team Academic All-American, showing he has done well in both sports and studies.

He said, “The path to success isn't fixed, and it rarely follows convention.” He further added, "Instead of focusing on how others got there, it matters more to decide the direction you want to take.”

This consistency in his performances also drew attention from Cal Athletics, with the program sharing his vault clips and calling him “nobody better.” His coaches and teammates have been sharing his routines on social media and calling him the "nation's top vaulter" this season.

Smith-Gordon has reached his level best, but this only raises a bigger question for fans: can he go even further, or is there still a side of him no one has seen yet?

Read more at Gymnastics Digest!

Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi