Aerobic gymnastics continues to confirm its growth on the international stage, also thanks to key events such as the Slovak Aerobic Open, now reaching its 27th consecutive edition, scheduled from April 10 to 13, 2026, in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Considered one of the longest-running international competitions in Europe, the event has become a strategic meeting point for athletes, coaches, and federations, with participation in constant expansion. This year’s edition will welcome over 500 athletes from 14 countries — Austria, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Great Britain, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Portugal, Turkey, Ukraine, and Slovakia — as well as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), highlighting an increasingly global and diverse interest in the discipline.

One of the most distinctive features of the event is its integration with the Slovak National Championship. A forward-thinking and strategic choice that allows local athletes to compete in an international environment without the need to travel abroad, while also providing valuable opportunities for those who mainly compete at national level or are unable to travel.

Within the Slovak system, participation in the Slovak Aerobic Open is linked to achieving specific scores in national competitions. A merit-based system that strengthens athletes’ motivation and turns the competition into a clear objective, built through consistency, effort, and progression throughout the season.

The competition therefore takes on a dual role: on one hand, it represents a high-level technical stage; on the other, it becomes a key educational experience for younger generations, who have the opportunity to compete with international peers and closely observe senior athletes, transforming this experience into inspiration, ambition, and future vision.

People who shaped the history in Slovakia: from Olga Kyselovičová to Linda Brnová

The development of Slovak aerobic gymnastics is closely linked to key figures who have built this journey with passion, expertise, and vision.

Linda Brnová, currently head of the aerobic gymnastics sector of the Slovak Gymnastics Federation, also coordinates coach education within an Erasmus project involving Slovakia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, and North Macedonia, with possible involvement of Portugal. The project aims to create shared training standards and promote international knowledge exchange, contributing directly to the growth of the discipline.

Her sporting journey began in artistic gymnastics before transitioning to aerobics at the age of eleven, drawn by the combination of music, movement, and choreography. After ending her competitive career early due to injury, she continued her path as a coach, judge, and manager, always focused on the development of the discipline.

At the heart of her vision lies the educational value of sport: gymnastics as a tool for personal growth, capable of developing discipline, autonomy, awareness, and organizational skills. In this process, the coach’s role becomes essential, not only in technical development but also in shaping the athlete as a person.

The origins and memory of the event

The story of the Slovak Aerobic Open is told by Olga Kyselovičová, a pioneering figure in the development of the competition:

“I am very happy and proud that this event has reached 27 consecutive editions. We must thank the former President of the Slovak Gymnastics Federation, Jan Novak, and the former General Secretary Monika Šišková for their strong support. The competition started within our club, at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport of Comenius University in Bratislava, with only a few participating countries. Over the years, the event moved to different cities across the country, always with the support of the federation, before returning to Bratislava in recent years. Seeing it now grow to 15 countries and around 600 athletes makes me very proud.”

Her words reflect a journey defined by continuity, evolution, and identity, transforming a local initiative into a true international reference.

The role of the Slovak Gymnastics Federation

Silvia Ruščinová, Secretary General of the Slovak Gymnastics Federation, also highlighted the importance of this 27th edition:

“The 27th edition of the Slovak Aerobic Open represents a significant milestone for the Slovak Gymnastics Federation. Over the years, this event has grown into a respected international competition, reflecting not only the development of aerobic gymnastics in Slovakia but also the continuous progress of our Federation as an organizer.

With each edition, we strive to improve — whether in terms of organization, athlete experience, judging standards, or overall event quality. The Slovak Aerobic Open has become a platform of excellence, where we can present our work, our values, and our commitment to the international gymnastics community.

At the same time, this event is the result of a collective effort. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed along the way — organizers, volunteers, judges, coaches, partners, and supporters. Without their dedication, trust, and long-term cooperation, it would not have been possible to build and continuously grow this event year after year.

The 27th edition is therefore not only a celebration of sport but also a celebration of people — all those who have helped shape the Slovak Aerobic Open into what it is today.”

The international vision

The importance of the Slovak Aerobic Open is also highlighted by Cristina Casentini, 1st Vice President of the Aerobic Gymnastics Technical Committee of World Gymnastics:

“The Slovak Aerobic Open has made history in European aerobic gymnastics. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of Olga Kyselovičová, this event has grown over the years, accompanying generations of athletes. Many of those who competed here in the early years became World Champions, while new generations of leadership have been shaped in this environment, such as Anita Lomošová, now a coach, Secretary General Silvia Ruščinová, and manager Linda Brnová.

A special thanks goes to the Slovak Gymnastics Federation, which has continuously supported this event, ensuring that it has never been interrupted in 27 years. This consistency has been a fundamental pillar in the development of the discipline, contributing not only to the technical growth of athletes but also to the creation of a strong sporting leadership within the country.

I wish this event another hundred years of history. Competitions like this are becoming increasingly relevant and well-attended, driving the growth of the international movement.

The road to Pamplona 2026 has already begun, and these events are proof of a shared global commitment.”

Strengthening its connection with the international community, the event will also be broadcast via live streaming, allowing audiences to follow the competition remotely. This initiative represents a gesture of connection, inclusion, and proximity, bringing athletes, families, and fans closer together.

Live streaming: https://tickets.sgf.sk/sao-tickets/?ref=sao&consent=none
Website: https://sao.sgf.sk/en/slovak-aerobic-open-2026-en/

Article: Silvana Conte and Julia Hirshberg
Photos: personal archive of Cristina Casentini and Linda Brnová