Three Russian gymnasts, including two-time world all-around champion Angelina Melnikova, will miss the 2026 World Gymnastics Championships after the Netherlands denied their visa applications ahead of the October competition in Rotterdam.
Olympic team champion Viktoria Listunova and European all-around silver medalist Anna Kalmykova were also blocked from entry for the event. Because the championship serves as an early gateway to team berths at the 2028 LA Olympics, the denied gymnast visas could cost Russia crucial quota spots.
World Gymnastics Responds to Russian Federation Critique
On Wednesday, World Gymnastics addressed the unfortunate situation, stating it "fully regrets the negative impact" on the Russian delegation.
It also acknowledged that visa approvals fall outside the governing body's control. The organization added that it's still working with Dutch officials and the Russian federation to resolve the problem.
Meanwhile, Russia's sports minister Mikhail Degtyaryov called for the event to lose its Olympic qualifying designation. The Russian Gymnastics Federation went further, calling the denials "a deliberate elimination of the strongest gymnasts from contention," and signaling it will take the matter to the IOC.
Despite the high-profile refusals, other members of Russia's delegation did receive clearance. Dutch authorities approved 47 of the country's 61 visa requests ahead of the event.
