Pan American Gymnastics Championships begin in Rio with Rebeca Andrade's return

The 2026 Pan American Artistic Gymnastics Championships have commenced at Rio de Janeiro's Olympic Park, signaling the competitive return of Brazil's Rebeca Andrade. This marks her first competition since securing two gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The continental event, running until June 21, serves as a crucial qualifier for both the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima and the 2026 World Championships in Rotterdam. The World Championships, in turn, will determine the top three teams that secure berths in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Historically, the United States dominates the Pan American artistic gymnastics medal table with 39 gold medals, trailed by Cuba with 18 and Brazil with 15. The U.S. reaffirmed its leading position at the 2023 Medellín championship, with Mexico and Brazil following.

This year's U.S. delegation is led by rising star Hezly Rivera for the women's team and Taylor Burkhart for the men's team, which includes notable gymnasts like Yul Moldauer and Kameron Nelson. Brazil's women's team features Andrade, who will compete solely in the vault event due to her recent return to training. Notable absences for Brazil include Flavia Saraiva and Lorrane Oliveira, while Arthur Nory and Caio Souza are key contenders for the men's team. Mexico's team, without stars Alexa Moreno and Natalia Escalera, introduces a new generation of female gymnasts, with Isaac Nuñez leading the men's squad.