World Gymnastics updates for May 2026: Restrictions lifted for Russia, Belarus; Key events awarded

World Gymnastics, the international governing body for the sport, has been busy this month. Here are the key updates from the WG Executive Committee and the WG Council.

World Gymnastics Executive Committee Updates

The Executive Committee (EC) met in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt from May 16-17. Here are the key updates:

The EC lifted all restrictions on Russian and Belarusian athlete, effective immediately.
The 2027 Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships have been awarded to Cairo, Egypt and will be held October 20-31, 2027.
The EC approved updates to various rules and regulations.
The EC established a working group for “Aerobic Wellness & Movement.”
The 2027 EC meeting will be held in Jamaica – a “developing national federation.”

In addition to the above updates, the following nationality changes were approved:

Yasir Amjad El Sakka – MAG gymnast – Former: PLE / New: CAN
Adam Lakomy – MAG gymnast – Former: USA / New: CZE
Léonie Ouvrier – ACRO gymnast – Former : FRA / New : USA
Silvia Santiago – WAG judge – Former: ESP / New: PUR

Lakomy is the most recognizable change for U.S. fans. Lakomy last competed at a U.S. meet in 2025, when he won the Winter Cup junior all-around, floor, and high bar titles. He also won the all-around title at the 2024 Junior Pan American Championships. He currently represents Michigan in the NCAA.

Read more of the Executive Committee updates here.

World Gymnastics Council Updates

The Council met in Sharm-El-Sheikh, Egypt from May 18-19. Here are the key updates:

The Council approved a revision of the technical regulations and ratified a revision of the Code of Discipline, the latter of which will be effective on September 1, 2026.
The 2030 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships have been allocated to British Gymnastics and will be hosted in Liverpool, England in Great Britain at M&S Bank Arena. Liverpool hosted Worlds in 2022.
The 2031 World Gymnaestrada has been allocated to USA Gymnastics and will be hosted in Las Vegas. This is considered the biggest gymnastics event in the world. It is held every four years and gathers more than 20,000 athletes from over 50 nations for non-competitive gymnastics performances and activities.
The 2027 Council meeting will be held in Cologne, Germany.
Provisional affiliation has been awarded to the Niger Gymnastics Federation. Its definitive admission must be ratified by the next Congress.