About World Gymnastics
Founded in 1881, World Gymnastics is the oldest established international federation of an Olympic sport. Recognised by the International Olympic Committee, it is the worldwide governing body for gymnastics and is based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Our mission
We develop gymnastics internationally, support safe and fair participation, and help athletes, coaches, officials and national federations thrive at every level of the sport.
Our responsibilities
- Maintain statutes, technical rules and international standards for gymnastics.
- Organise and oversee major international competitions and qualification pathways.
- Support athlete welfare, safeguarding, integrity and anti-doping education.
- Develop coaches, judges and member federations through education and collaboration.
Our global role
World Gymnastics brings together more than 160 national federations. It governs Gymnastics for All, Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Trampoline and Tumbling, Aerobic Gymnastics, Acrobatic Gymnastics and Parkour.
Our core values
- Integrity: acting fairly, transparently and responsibly.
- Respect: valuing athletes, participants and communities.
- Excellence: supporting high standards and continuous development.
- Inclusion: making gymnastics welcoming across cultures, abilities and disciplines.
Principal activities
- International championships, World Cups and sport events.
- Rules, judging systems, licences and competition administration.
- Education, development and technical support for member federations.
- Safeguarding, clean-sport and athlete-representation initiatives.
Our story
1881 — A federation is founded
The organisation began as the European Gymnastics Federation and later developed into the international federation for the sport.
1896 — Gymnastics joins the modern Olympic Games
Gymnastics featured at the first modern Olympic Games in Athens and has continued to evolve across disciplines and formats.
Today — A worldwide gymnastics community
From participation programmes to world championships, World Gymnastics connects a global community while protecting the rules and values of the sport.
Explore more
Learn about our governance, browse upcoming events, review rules and standards, or visit our safeguarding resources. You can also read the official World Gymnastics overview.