FIG MAG News 18 December 2025

Read the entire document for yourself.

Some notes:

  • benefits being realized in the reduction to 8 elements
  • FIG Executive Committee has approved placing a maximum cap of 0.5 for the dismount element group on Pommel Horse, Rings, Parallel Bars and Horizontal Bar.
  • triple salto elements are prohibited for Juniors
  • on Floor, corner transitions must be conspicuously different from one another. Otherwise a 0.3 neutral deduction is taken.
  • all variations of the Stag Leap with 1/1 or 1/2 turn will no longer fulfill the Jump/Leap requirement 
  • Certainly, current Floor rules have resulted in much more artistic routines. It’s working.
  • hold positions with open hands may be deducted for false grip if the wrists are on top of the Rings

I noticed many more appeals at the two 2025 World Championships. MANY were for STICK BONUS.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Click PLAY or watch Clarification on Low Landings on YouTube.

Ouch. During Bhavsar and Moy type elements if the gymnast hits the floor the element will not be recognized. 

Very slight brushes could be controversial.

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

A Winkler or Pogorelov (Element II.42) must be performed with a straight body up to the point where the feet pass nearest to the bar.

If the body is bent more than 45° prior to the feet passing the bar, the element will receive D value and a 0.3 deduction for nondistinct position. 

Click PLAY or watch it on YouTube.

Philippines the fastest improving Gymnastics nation?

I led a week long Olympic Solidarity coaching course in Manila in 2011.

MAG and WAG.

Gymnastics Coaching Course, Manila, Philippines
Gymnastics Coaching Course, Manila, Philippines

Gymnastics was not well developed at that time. Good facilities just being built.

BUT it was obvious that the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines was passionate and determined to build.

Not too many years later they had a World and Olympic champion in Carlos Yulo.

This is only the 36th largest economy of the world.

Both MAG and WAG Artistic programs have grown quickly. What other nation has done so much in so few years?

They are still improving.

I share my excitement and profound optimism for the Philippines’ turn on the world stage. Long dominated by gymnastics powerhouses, the hosting of a global event by this beautiful island country is a tribute to FIG’s inclusivity and to humanity’s aspirations for independence and global solidarity.

FIG President Watanabe

International Gymnastics magazine Hall of Fame 2025

2025 IGHOF Inductees:
Beth Tweddle 🇬🇧
Andreas Wecker 🇩🇪
Catalina Ponor
🇷🇴

2025 Frank Bare Award Honoree:
Paul Ziert 🇺🇸

All legends in the sport.

Of course, someone is voting for the nominees each year. It’s impossible to be completely objective.

There is always criticism. BUT International Gymnastics magazine is a private company that can choose whomever they wish.

Congratulations to the honourees.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of Beth Tweddle. Loved her Gymnastics and her relaxed, positive attitude.

TIME magazine – Simone top 100

Congratulations to Simone Biles on being named one of TIME’s Most Influential People of 2025.

IG Magazine Hall of Fame 2025

Congratulations to the new inductees:

  • Beth Tweddle 🇬🇧: Three-time World Champion, and 2012 Olympic bronze medalist on the Uneven Bars.
  • 🌟Andreas Wecker 🇩🇪: Four-time Olympic medalist including 1996 Olympic gold on High Bar, and six-time World Championship medalist.
  • 🌟Catalina Ponor 🇷🇴: Three-time Olympian 2004, 2012, 2016, and winner of five Olympic medals, including three golds in 2004. (Previously honored in 2022, but was unable to attend the official IGHOF ceremony)
  • 🌟Paul Ziert 🇺🇸: Legendary gymnastics coach, entrepreneur and generous philanthropic supporter of numerous gymnastics related causes including the IGHOF.

Kaylia Nemour – Vogue Arabia

Our Olympic Bars champion can be a role model for Muslim girls and women.

“It wasn’t just a personal victory but also a symbol of hope and pride for the Algerian people and, more broadly, for the entire Arab world,” the 18-year-old champion says. … 

Vogue

Time’s Athlete of the Year …

… What!? … It’s not SIMONE. 😀

Actually, I’m cool with Caitlin Clark.

Amazing athlete. And she’s done a lot for ALL women’s sport in 2024.

final LEON* print edition

The excellent German Gymnastics magazine — LEON* — announced their final print edition.

2024 Inside Gymnastics Readers’ Choice

Inside Gymnastics magazine is running a VERY comprehensive poll on all things MAG and WAG Gymnastics. Click through to VOTE.

Vote Now! 2024 Inside Gymnastics Readers’ Choice

SAMPLE poll:

Suni to Sports Illustrated

Our Olympic gold medalist will be one of the featured athletes in the upcoming Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.

Go Behind the Scenes With Suni Lee for Her SI Swimsuit Photo Shoot

The 21-year-old Olympic gymnast will be making her SI Swimsuit debut.