More than 400 elite gymnasts from 84 countries are expected in Rotterdam from October 20 to 25 for the 54th World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, where teams will compete for qualification places at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The top three nations in each team event will secure Olympic berths, adding extra significance to the competition.
China and Japan lead the men’s team contenders, while Great Britain, fresh from retaining its European title in August, will also target a podium finish.
The United States women have dominated the team final since 2011 and will be led by four-time World Championships participant Skye Blakely. The rest of the squad, including Olympic team gold medallist Hezly Rivera, are making their senior world championship debuts.
Russia’s women, competing as neutrals, arrive as European champions, but reigning world all-around winner Angelina Melnikova is among three gymnasts from the country who were denied visas for the event.
Great Britain, fourth at the most recent Olympics and European Championships, will rely on multiple major medallist Alice Kinsella, who returns to competition 13 months after becoming a mother.
Japan’s Daiki Hashimoto is chasing a fourth successive men’s all-around world title, while Algeria’s Kaylia Nemour has a chance to become the first African champion in the women’s all-around event.
Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade will also return to a major global championship for the first time since winning four medals, including floor gold, at the 2024 Olympics. The competition will be broadcast live across the BBC.
