Men’s World Gymnastics Rotterdam Debrief

Sam Oldham was there with BBC. In this podcast he gives a comprehensive review of the top Men’s Teams — and a preview of the run-up to the L.A. Olympics.

For a more USA specific recap, check out the Neutral Deductions podcast.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Locker Zee – street dancer

Choreography is improving on Floor.

But it’s important to watch some of the best dancers in the world to see just how far away Artistic gymnasts are from the best.

Locker Zee (Kim Min-ji) is a prominent South Korean street dancer, battle competitor, and choreographer.

She is widely recognized for her mastery of locking—a classic funk dance style characterized by sudden freezes (“locks”), rapid wrist rolls, distinct points, and high-energy footwork.

She finished second at the 2026 Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Zurich, Switzerland.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Watanabe – “Our dream is to have no judges, only computers and AI awarding scores”

He said the quiet part out loud.

Personally, I’d like computer video analysis to do the things it is better at than humans. Height, distance, alignment, angles, etc.

Keep humans for the subjective evaluation of artistry, crowd appeal, etc.

Read his comments on Instagram.

Joe Fraser is a good, good man

Bronze medal in the All-Around Final at World Championships Rotterdam.

I write this post in support of Joe after judging errors at World Championships awarded him the Bronze medal in the AA — though it probably should have gone to Russia’s Daniel Marinov.

AI image via Rewriting Russian Gymnastics

That’s a tragic mistake on the part of FIG MTC — but it’s not Joe’s fault.

Every gymnast over their history have had cases where judging errors resulted in a higher score than deserved. And lower scores than deserved.

Personally, I’d love to try a competition using only the Fujitsu video analysis software, D-score and E-score. Some day.

Gymnastics is a humbling sport — but Worlds Bronze medalist, Joe Fraser, is truly one of the good guys.

Click PLAY or watch it on Instagram.

Joe had falls in the Team Final — and was very disappointed. Here’s what he posted the next day:

Absolutely gutted with how last night played out. It’s hard not to feel an overwhelming sense of guilt with the result, but amongst the disappointment, there are positives we can take away.

For the majority of the competition, we were battling it out with the best in the world. That shows us exactly where we are and reinforces the belief that we’re on the right track. I genuinely believe this team is capable of achieving some seriously special things this cycle.

One thing I can say with absolute certainty is that every single member of this team gave everything they had on that floor yesterday. I couldn’t be prouder to stand alongside these boys.

Reuben, taking to your first 3-up, 3-to-count team final like a duck to water. Some people are made for the big stage, and you showed exactly that yesterday. This is only the beginning for you! 💙

Harry, you special human. You showcased the class you have and the passion you carry to deliver for your brothers. Thank you for everything you brought to that floor. 💙

Court, you absolute animal! The commitment you have to this team is second to none. The way you fought for every 0.1 yesterday is a testament to the man you are and how much this means to you. 💙

Jake, time and time again you show exactly why you’re one of the best in the world. It’s an honour to share the floor with you, and I’ll never take that for granted. 💙

And finally, Jonas. You were there for everyone through all the highs and lows, bringing your spirit and support when it mattered most. Thank you for being the person you are and for everything you give to this team. 💙

The sacrifices made to get us onto that stage make the pain cut even deeper. Being part of a team represents so much more than the six guys out on the floor. It’s the coaches who live and breathe this alongside us, the families making sacrifices back home, the support staff who make what we do possible, the system that gives us the platform to thrive, and the young children watching who are inspired to give gymnastics a go.

We’ll learn, we’ll grow, and we’ll be back! 🇬🇧

All-Around final tomorrow. Time to reset, enjoy the moment and have some fun ❤️

UNIQUE things to take to a Gymnastics competition 😀

British gymnasts were living it up at Rotterdam World Championships.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Olympic Beam Champion retires in Rotterdam

A great way to finish her amazing career. Inventing a new way to be competitive on Beam, by connecting superb leaps, jumps, & turns.

Olympic balance beam champion 2016 from the Netherlands, Sanne Wevers, officially retired on October 19, 2026, following the qualification round at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam.

Sanne is now 35 years old. Decided in 2025 to comeback just for this World Championships at home. She competed 2010 World Championships in Rotterdam, as well.

Click PLAY or watch it on Instagram.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.