Filipino-American gymnast Emma Malabuyo continues to showcase near-perfect execution and landings as she competes for the No. 6-ranked UCLA Bruins in the Big Ten Conference of the US NCAA Division I gymnastics meet.
The 22-year-old gymnast promised to deliver top-tier performances, and she lived up to expectations in the Bruins’ recent 197.200-194.750 victory over Illinois, their first home conference win of the season. Malabuyo contributed significantly with a 9.900 on vault and a season-high 9.925 on floor, helping UCLA secure their fifth win in seven outings and second Big Ten victory.
“I’m really proud of how we’re working in the gym. We have been focused so much on sticks (perfect landings), and to be able to stick back-to-back is amazing,” Malabuyo said in a post-match interview.
With 7,647 fans cheering at Pauley Pavilion, the Bruins continue to build momentum in their first season in the Big Ten. This weekend, UCLA is set to face No. 5 Michigan State, the defending Big Ten champion, in a highly anticipated showdown between the conference’s two top-ranked teams.
UCLA, a historic gymnastics powerhouse, has won 20 Pac-12 and Pac-10 titles between 1987 and 2024, along with seven NCAA championships.
Malabuyo, one of three Filipino-American Olympians who represented the Philippines in Paris, is cementing her reputation as one of the best beam workers in the NCAA. She is ranked No. 3 nationally with a 9.925 beam average, having scored 9.900 or higher in all four meets this season, including a near-perfect 9.975. She has placed Top 2 in every meet so far, winning two events.
“I’m hoping to improve every single week with this team,” said Malabuyo, eager to push her limits throughout the season.
Adding to UCLA’s star-studded lineup, Olympic gold medalist and two-time Olympian Jordan Chiles has returned to the Bruins after a one-year hiatus to train for and compete in the Paris Olympics.
With Malabuyo and Chiles leading the charge, UCLA is primed for a deep run in the NCAA gymnastics season.