2026 Pan American Artistic Gymnastics Championships: Rio de Janeiro Hosts Key Qualifier
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The 2026 Pan American Artistic Gymnastics Championships will take place June 17–21 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, serving as a qualifier for the 2026 Pan American Games, according to official competition organizers. The event, hosted by the Pan American Gymnastics Confederation, will feature athletes from across the Americas competing in individual and team events across multiple apparatuses.
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The Championships are expected to draw top gymnasts from the region, including U.S. Olympic team member Hezly Rivera and Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade, who won two gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Rivera, 20, has been a consistent performer on the U.S. national team, while Andrade, 23, is considered one of the sport’s most versatile athletes. Both gymnasts are likely to compete in the all-around and event-specific categories, though exact lineup details remain pending confirmation from their respective national federations.
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The Rio de Janeiro venue was selected following a bid process led by the Brazilian Gymnastics Confederation, which emphasized the city’s experience hosting major international sporting events. The championships will be held at the Arena Carioca, a multi-purpose facility that previously hosted the 2016 Olympic gymnastics competitions. Organizers have stated the event will adhere to updated International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) safety protocols, including enhanced floor mat specifications and revised vault landing zones.
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Live coverage of the Championships will be available through the Pan American Gymnastics Confederation’s official streaming platform, with highlights also distributed to affiliated media outlets. The competition schedule includes qualifications on June 17–18, finals on June 20–21, and a closing ceremony on June 22. Admission tickets went on sale May 15 through the event’s official website, with prices ranging from 150 to 400 Brazilian reais, depending on seating.
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The 2026 Championships mark the second time Rio de Janeiro has hosted a major Pan American gymnastics event, following the 2011 Pan American Games. The event’s qualification role is critical for teams aiming to secure spots in the 2026 Pan American Games, which will be held in Santiago, Chile. A total of 12 nations have already confirmed participation, with additional entries expected from Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean region.
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Rebeca Andrade’s participation has drawn particular attention, as she aims to build on her Olympic success while preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In a recent interview with Brazilian media, Andrade stated, “This competition is a stepping stone to test our readiness for bigger challenges. Rio is a special place for me, and I hope to deliver performances that honor the legacy of Brazilian gymnastics.”
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Hezly Rivera’s inclusion in the U.S. team highlights the growing depth of American gymnastics following the retirement of 2020 Olympic all-around champion Simone Biles. Rivera, who trains at the World Champions Centre in Texas, has been praised by U.S. team director Kelli Hill for her technical precision and mental resilience. “Hezly’s ability to perform under pressure makes her a key asset for the 2026 cycle,” Hill said in a statement.
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The Championships will also serve as a developmental platform for younger athletes, with junior divisions competing alongside senior teams. The Pan American Gymnastics Confederation has partnered with the International Olympic Committee to provide athlete wellness programs, including mental health support and nutrition guidance.
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As the event approaches, focus remains on the qualification standings and potential upsets. The U.S. and Brazil are expected to be strong contenders, but competitors from Cuba, Argentina, and Colombia have historically posed significant challenges. The outcome of the 2026 Championships could influence the composition of regional teams for the 2027 World Championships, further underscoring its competitive significance.
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Organizers have emphasized the event’s role in promoting gymnastics in South America, where participation rates have grown by 18% since 2020, according to a 2025 report by the Latin American Gymnastics Union. The Championships will also feature community outreach initiatives, including free clinics for local youth and partnerships with Brazilian schools to expand access to the sport.
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For viewers outside Brazil, the Pan American Gymnastics Confederation has partnered with ESPN Deportes and Sky Sports to provide broadcast coverage, with live results available through the FIG’s official app. Fans can also follow real-time updates via the event’s social media channels, which will feature athlete interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and interactive polls.
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The 2026 Pan American Artistic Gymnastics Championships represent a pivotal moment for gymnastics in the Americas, combining elite competition with grassroots development. As athletes from 12 nations prepare to vie for qualification spots, the event promises to showcase the sport’s evolving talent pool and reinforce its global appeal.