Governing Bodies
World Gymnastics
Also Known As FIG, Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (name carried until December 2025)
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Founded 23 July 1881 in Liege as the European Federation of Gymnastics, this body is the oldest existing international sports organization in the world. As the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique it grew to 161 national federations by 2023, and it took its current name, World Gymnastics, in December 2025. After Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine it barred Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials, restrictions it lifted on 18 May 2026. Age eligibility rules, intended to protect young athletes, have caused controversy of their own with documented cases of age falsification.
Facts
Body TypeInternational federation 1 FoundedFounded 23 July 1881 in Liege, Belgium as the European Federation of Gymnastics with three member countries, making it the worlds oldest existing international sports organization. HeadquartersLausanne, Switzerland (since 2016) 1 FoundersFounded 23 July 1881 in Liege, Belgium, as the European Federation of Gymnastics, with three member countries: Belgium, France and the Netherlands. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Sources
1. Wikipedia, International Gymnastics Federation
Wikimedia FoundationHistory section, founding paragraphQuote, History section, founding paragraph
It was founded on 23 July 1881 in Liege, Belgium. Originally called the European Federation of Gymnastics, it had three member countries, Belgium, France and the Netherlands, until 1921.
1. Wikipedia, International Gymnastics Federation
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