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.
Skylar Draser is out at Florida gymnastics. The NCAA program confirmed Wednesday that the senior, along with juniors Ly Bui and Lily Bruce, are "no longer members" of the three-time national championship team.
Why Did Florida Release 3 Gymnasts?
Head coach Jenny Rowland offered little explanation for the departures beyond a brief statement.
"Our focus remains on supporting our athletes and maintaining a team culture built on accountability, respect and commitment," Rowland said.
Still, the move represents a notable loss for the women's college gymnastics program. Draser opened the beam rotation for the Gators across much of last year and posted a career-high 9.95 on the event. She also contributed on vault and occasionally competed on bars.
Bui, who joined the Gators at 16 after graduating high school early, spent two seasons primarily on vault before injuries limited her availability.
Bruce did not appear in competitive lineups during her time at Florida, though she logged three exhibition bars appearances during the 2026 season. All three earned WCGA Scholastic All-American honors during their time at the school.
Draser Speaks Out Against 'Disturbing' Online Rumors
After the announcement, Draser posted on Instagram that she plans to transfer once she graduates in December. She also called out rumors online surrounding her departure.
"I never imagined that stepping away from Florida in the middle of my final year would mean seeing my name circulating online attached to so many hurtful, and disturbing false narratives," she wrote.
"While I cannot control what others choose to say or believe, I know the truth, I know my character, and I know what I gave to this program."
Simone Biles is keeping everyone guessing about LA 28. The 29-year-old, who will turn 31 before the 2028 LA Olympics opening ceremony, told the Associated Press she's still weighing whether to pursue a fourth Games.
"I don't know what the decision (is) I should make, but I don't necessarily have to make it just yet," Biles said.
Is Simone Biles Already Training for LA28?
Still, the pull of a home Games clearly has her attention. She recently hit a double layout in the gym with her sister Adria, just to see if she still could. The answer, apparently, was yes.
"Like a home Olympic Games, like, how could you not?" Biles said. "It's absolutely incredible."
Of course, this time around, Biles is factoring in family planning with her husband, Jonathan Owens, something that didn't apply during earlier Olympic cycles. Meanwhile, several of her USA Gymnastics teammates are already working toward LA. Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey have each signaled they're training with 2028 Olympic Games in mind.
Biles hasn't competed since her Paris 2024 performance, where she became the third woman to win multiple Olympic all-around golds. Still, for now at least, another run isn't off the table.
Simone Biles swapped the balance beam for the front row at this year's New York Fashion Week. The 11-time Olympic medalist sat beside Venus Williams at the Simkhai Spring 2027 NYFW presentation, sporting a plum A-line dress with matching knee-high boots.
But she wasn't the only athlete making an entrance in Manhattan.
Alexandra Eala Joins Women's Sports Athletes in NYFW Takeover
Alexandra Eala subsequently logged the busiest NYFW schedule of any sports figure. She appeared at Calvin Klein, Tory Burch, and Michael Kors across the week. Coming off her first WTA title and solid US Open run, the Filipino tennis sensation also crossed paths with Anna Wintour — who called herself a "big fan."
"I love that in tennis, we're able to express ourselves through fashion," Eala said.
Beyond Biles and Eala, the runway-to-arena pipeline kept growing. Two-time Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles wore a black feathered dress and rhinestone heels to the Simkhai show. Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd went with a laid-back varsity jacket look at Coach. And six-time Olympic medalist Suni Lee brought a preppy edge to Tommy Hilfiger.
The fashion world has long embraced women athletes, as Olympic gymnasts, WNBA rookies, and WTA rising stars pull front-row seats at this season's NYFW.
Simone Biles gave Cleveland's newest WNBA franchise a boost this week when she showed up in a Cleveland Sirens hat during a TikTok video posted on September 5th. The Columbus, Ohio native paired the Lake Erie blue cap with a trampoline session full of tumbling passes and midair twists that looked like a scaled-down floor routine.
Simone Biles Hints at LA28 Olympics Campaign
Simone Biles's caption only added to the social media buzz.
"Full send 2028 or no??!!" Biles wrote, fueling ongoing speculation about whether she'll compete at the 2028 LA Olympics.
She would be 31 by then, but after earning three golds and a silver at the 2024 Paris Games, few are counting her out — including Cleveland's front office.
@simonebilesowens still have pit in my eyes & will probably need to get a massage. #gymnastics ♬ original sound - Simone Biles
Cleveland Sirens Buzz Growing Beyond WNBA Fans
The Sirens' official TikTok account responded to the post with a string of blue heart emojis, and Biles liked the reply. The team revealed its name and branding on August 4th at Rocket Arena ahead of its planned 2028 debut.
For women's sports fans, the exchange between the decorated Olympian and the WNBA team was a welcome sign that the expansion franchise is building buzz well beyond Ohio.
Jordan Chiles is back for more, as the gold medalist announced she’ll train for a third Olympics in a video narrated by her namesake: NBA legend Michael Jordan.
The 25-year-old becomes the fourth 2024 Golden Girl to eye an LA 28 comeback. She joins teammates Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera.
“Why again? Because the dream is still there,” Jordan says in the social media post. Then, Chiles caps the message with a simple “Why not?”
Should she qualify, Chiles would become just the fourth US women’s gymnast to compete in three Olympics. She joins the ranks of icons Simone Biles and Dominique Dawes.
The news came shortly after the 23-time All-American announced plans to rejoin UCLA as a student coach, capping a decorated Bruins career that spans three individual titles.
“Being in Pauley [Pavilion] as a gymnast was chapter one,” she said on Instagram. “Now, I get to start a new chapter as coach Jo.”
Simone Biles is trading the vault for the batter's box. The Olympic gold medalist underwent an undisclosed medical procedure in late July, weeks after describing "almost dying" during June health scare.
But she's clearly on the mend as she headlines a packed roster of athletes and entertainers suiting up for the 2026 Pacers Foundation Softball Classic at Victory Field in Indianapolis. The outing marks another public appearance for Biles and husband Jonathan Owens after the couple walked the red carpet together at the 2026 ESPY Awards.
Simone Biles Headlines 2026 Pacers Foundation Softball Classic Roster
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton and Colts quarterback Daniel Jones are captaining opposing squads for the annual charity event, which benefits the Pacers Foundation's community programming across central Indiana.
Biles joins Team Haliburton alongside her husband, Colts safety Jonathan Owens. Members of the Indy Ignite, Indianapolis's Major League Volleyball franchise, will also be on hand.
On the other side, Team Jones features Olympic gold medalist goalkeeper Briana Scurry and Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith, with additional Indy Ignite players rounding out that roster too. Former Colts punter Pat McAfee will emcee the evening from behind the mic.
First pitch is set for 7 PM ET, and tickets are $10. The crossover lineup spans gymnastics, football, basketball, volleyball, and comedy, makes it one of the more exciting charity events on the city's summer calendar.
Manila Esposito arrives in Zagreb, Croatia this week chasing a third straight all-around gold at the 2026 European Gymnastics Championships ahead of Olympic gymnastics qualifiers for LA 28.
2026 European Gymnastics Championships Kick Off in Croatia
The 19-year-old Italian already owns the 2024 and 2025 continental crowns. But on Thursday, she opens competition in pursuit of one more at Arena Zagreb, which hosts the meet for the first time this year.
Her toughest test will be reigning world all-around champion Angelina Melnikova. The Russian's start was in doubt after Croatia initially denied visas to nine members of her delegation. Melnikova and Anna Kalmykova cleared that hurdle this week after diplomatic talks. Olympic champion Viktoria Listunova was unable to secure a reversal of her visa denial.
Still, the rest of the European field runs deep.
Esposito's Italian teammate Alice D'Amato, the Paris 2024 balance beam champion, is entered along with Britain's Becky Downie. Downie, 34, returns to international competition for the first time since Paris after injuries sidelined her the past few years. And France's Elena Colas also debuts at the senior continental level this week.
European Gymnastics Championships Previews LA 28
The tournament is scheduled to move quickly with Thursday's senior all-around and team qualification giving way to Saturday's apparatus finals and Sunday's senior team final. Eurovision Sports will stream all senior finals.
Beyond the medals, Zagreb offers an early read on the LA 28 pecking order. Another European crown would cement Esposito as the continent's top all-around contender heading into the next Olympic gymnastics cycle.
Hezly Rivera clawed back from fourth place to defend her all-around crown at the 2026 US Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix on Sunday. The Olympic gold medalist closed with 111.950 points to repeat as national champion.
Hezly Rivera Stages Stunning Comeback in Phoenix
Rivera trailed by more than a point after Day 1, dropped there by an early slip on uneven bars.
She flipped the meet in the final rotations, anchored by a balance beam gold at 28.700. Her 14.400 vault stood as the highest single-vault mark of the night. A 28.300 on floor exercise sealed silver on that apparatus and lifted her past the field.
The 17-year-old is just the second American woman in 13 years to repeat as senior all-around champion, after Simone Biles.
Rivera's Road to the 2026 World Championships
World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA) teammate Claire Pease took all-around silver with 110.800 and won the uneven bars title. Charleigh Bullock earned bronze with a steady 110.550. Reese Esponda claimed the floor crown, and Olympic champion Jade Carey won vault gold.
Rivera and Pease earned automatic invites to the 2026 World Selection Event this fall. That meet sets the roster for the World Championships in Rotterdam from October 17-25.
Leanne Wong has withdrawn from the 2026 US Gymnastics Championships after hyperextending her knee in podium training.
The two-time world all-around silver medalist shared the news Wednesday on Instagram, two days before USA Gymnastics hopefuls open competition. Her exit removes a top contender from the field in Phoenix.
Why Leanne Wong Withdrew From the US Gymnastics Championships
The injury happened Tuesday, one day before the meet began. Wong had been preparing for Friday and Sunday's rotations. Now, the USA Gymnastics event moves ahead without one of its most decorated returners.
"This isn’t how I wanted this week to go, but I trust that God’s plan is greater than my own. Thank you all for the love and support," Wong wrote. "I'm looking forward to what's ahead and trusting the process."
The knee setback caps a rough summer for Wong. She first tweaked her wrist ahead of the July 18th US Classic and competed only on beam. She fell during that routine and scored an 11.9, well out of her usual range.
Recovery from the injury had already cut into her prep window heading into Phoenix.
Still, her season may not be over. Wong remains eligible to petition into the world selection competition in late September. That path could keep her on track for October's World Championships roster.