Hickey, Slevin & Hilton achieve finals at World Challenge Cup

September 13th, 2025, Bercy Arena, Paris: Team Ireland’s James Hickey, Halle Hilton, & Emma Slevin have qualified to finals at the FIG World Challenge Cup Paris 2025. Hickey qualified in 7th place to the pommel-horse final in stunning style with a score of 13.933. On the balance beam, Hilton qualified in 4th place scoring 13.233 while teammate Slevin qualified in 8th place scoring 12.666.

This is Hickey's first Senior Major International event. He held his composure to score a 13.933, qualifying 7th place into Sunday's Pommel Final. 

Hilton displayed a new routine on the balance beam and showcased it beautifully scoring a 13.233 which pushed her straight into 4th place. Slevin shined on the balance beam with her beautiful artistry scoring a 12.666 which put her in 8th. Both gymnasts will compete in Sunday's Balance Beam final. 

Reflecting on his performance, Hickey said: “I am delighted with how today went. To make a World Challenge Cup Final in my first event on this stage was my goal, so to achieve this feels fantastic. It just proves deciding to turn Senior a year early was the right decision. I'm very grateful to Gymnastics Ireland and Phoenix Gymnastics Club for all their support.”

National Performance Coach Sergey added: "James did a huge step forwards from junior to senior level. Today, it was some pleasure from his daily high work to achieve this level seniors gymnastics"

Reflecting on her performance, Slevin said: “It feels so good to be back competing internationally again after nearly a year off. I always love the Paris event, the energy in the arena is incredible. I’m really excited for tomorrow’s final, it’s an honour to be in the lineup with my teammate and other world-class gymnasts.”

Hilton on her performance: “I’m really pleased to have got some upgrades into my beam routine successfully on the international stage. And to be competing with so many inspirational gymnasts too is really amazing. I’m so happy to have made the beam final and get another opportunity to show my work. Well done to my teammate Emma who also made the beam final too! Thankful for this opportunity!”

Commenting on the performance of Hilton and Slevin, WAG Head Coach Sandra Stevenson said: “Great teamwork and confident gymnastics today. Well done to Emma, Halle and James on their very well deserved spots in tomorrows finals.”

The Pommel-Horse Final and Balance Beam Final will take place Sunday 14th September with Pommel Final starting at 1:10pm Irish time and the Balance Beam Final at 3:30pm Irish time.

The event finals will be livestreamed on magymtv.ffgym.fr and on figtv.sport

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