RIO de JANEIRO – Cal senior gymnast Ryan Patterson qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this weekend to represent South Africa, following his performance on Saturday at the Olympic Test Event at the Rio Olympic Arena. It marks the first time in over 50 years that a South African gymnast will compete in the Olympics. Patterson scored an all-around total of 82.932, which was his best-ever international showing. Patterson, did not compete for the Golden Bears during the 2016 season, as his focus was on the Olympic Test Event and qualifying for the Olympic Games.

“This is the pinnacle event in our sport and to qualify means that Ryan has attained a high level of mastery over his sport,” Cal assistant coach and South African head coach JT Okada said. “I couldn't be more proud of him and to be a part of his story is unbelievable. We have to acknowledge everyone who helped him get to this point; including head coach Brett McClure for his guidance, Dave Eaton for stepping up, Cal Athletics for their support, Ryan's parents and the entire Cal gymnastics family.”

Patterson finished 44^th overall in the all-around competition, sealing his qualification. He scored a 14.533 on floor exercise, which was 25^th best at the event, and posted the same score on vault, which ranked 41^st overall. His performance on parallel bars was also impressive, garnering a score of 14.333 from the judges.

Cal's Road to Rio Crowdfunding Campaign

For the month of April, Cal Athletics is honoring its past, present and future Olympians with a Road to Rio crowdfunding campaign. Your gift to the campaign earns you special perks and evenly supports the operational budgets of all Cal's Olympic sports. Cal builds Olympians, and your support will help continue Cal's sterling Olympic legacy - in Rio de Janeiro and for years to come. Learn more about the campaign here or contribute to the campaign by visiting this link.