GB stars aim for Olympic spots

More than 400 of the world’s top artistic gymnasts from 84 nations will compete at the 54th World Championships in Rotterdam from 20-25 October. Qualification places for the 2028 Olympics are up for grabs and you can watch the action live across the BBC.

The most prestigious competition in the calendar carries extra importance this year as the top three nations in each team event in the Netherlands will earn places at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

China and Japan’s men’s teams start as favourites, while Great Britain retained the European title in August with a near-flawless display and could challenge for a medal.

The USA women have won every team final since 2011 and will be relying on the experience of Skye Blakely, who is competing at her fourth World Championships. This is a first senior Worlds for the rest of her team-mates, including Olympic team gold medallist Hezly Rivera.

The Russians, who are competing under neutral status, are European women’s gold medallists, but reigning world all-around champion Angelina Melnikova was among three of their female gymnasts denied a visa to compete in Rotterdam.

• Alozie, Kanu fire Falcons to Olympics qualifier victory
• Onojuvwevwo tops Nigeria’s 2026 400m rankings
• 14 Super Falcons in camp ahead of Comoros Olympic qualifier

Great Britain were fourth at the most recent Olympics and Europeans and are led by multiple major medallist Alice Kinsella, 13 months after she became a mother.

Reigning champion Daiki Hashimoto of Japan is vying for a fourth consecutive men’s all-around world title, while Algerian Kaylia Nemour has a golden opportunity to become the first African winner in the women’s event. Brilliant Brazilian Rebeca Andrade competes at a major global championships for the first time since her four-medal haul at the 2024 Olympics, which included gold on the floor.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.