Founded 23 July 1881 in Liège 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 Liège, Belgium, as the European Federation of Gymnastics, with three member countries: Belgium, France and the Netherlands. 1 Body Type
Body Type (category)International Federation 1 Body Type (category)National Governing Body 1 FAQs
Which gymnastics disciplines does World Gymnastics govern?
It governs eight disciplines from artistic and rhythmic gymnastics to parkour.
World Gymnastics describes itself as the governing body for gymnastics worldwide, recognised by the International Olympic Committee. It lists eight disciplines under its authority: Gymnastics for All, men's and women's artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline and tumbling, acrobatics, aerobics and parkour. It has more than 160 national member federations.
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Associated With
Source Wikipedia, International Gymnastics Federation
Source About USA Gymnastics (usagym.org)
Governs
Source Wikipedia, International Gymnastics Federation
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Sources
1. Wikipedia, International Gymnastics Federation
Wikimedia FoundationIntroduction
It was founded on 23 July 1881 in Liège, Belgium, making it the world's oldest existing international sports organisation. Originally called the European Federation of Gymnastics, it had three member countries - Belgium, France and the Netherlands - until 1921, when non-European countries were admitted and the organization changed its name to the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique.
- Governs: Gymnastics
Associated With: Olympic Games, Lead section
Additionally, the federation is responsible for determining gymnasts' age eligibility to participate in the Olympics.
View the Source About USA Gymnastics (usagym.org)
Associated With: USA Gymnastics, About page, opening descriptionQuote, Associated With: USA Gymnastics, About page, opening description
is the only organization recognized by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation
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