The May Briefing
In this issue:
- Koper WCC international podium results
- Texas State launches new Division I program
- Ellie Black returns at Canadian Championships
- Rebeca Andrade joins Pan American roster
- Team USA names athletes for Rio competition
- Qingying Zhang upgrades at Chinese Championships
2026 Koper World Challenge Cup
Gymnasts from eight countries reached the podium at the Koper World Challenge Cup. Teja Belak (SLO) secured vault gold. Zsofia Kovacs (HUN) won uneven bars. Alexia Blanaru (ROU) took the balance beam title. Lihie Raz (ISR) won floor exercise. Taeja James (GBR) claimed silver medals on vault and floor.
Texas State Launches D1 Program
Texas State University announced a new NCAA Division I women's gymnastics program. The university plans to recruit heavily this summer. The addition brings a highly anticipated competitive program to Texas.
2026 Canadian Championships
Lia-Monica Fontaine won the all-around title at the Canadian Championships. Four-time Olympian Ellie Black returned to domestic competition. The event highlighted a deep national field.
Rebeca Andrade Returns
Brazil named its team for the Pan American Championships in Rio. Reigning Olympic floor champion Rebeca Andrade returns to international competition. The roster also includes Olympian Julia Soares.
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US Pan American Team Selected
USA Gymnastics named the women's team for the 2026 Pan American Championships. The selection follows a May verification event. The athletes head to Rio to secure continental rankings.
Chinese Championships Highlights
Qingying Zhang and Qinqin Ke delivered top performances at the Chinese Championships. Both athletes executed significant upgrades. They demonstrated consistent routines ahead of the international summer season.
Last updated: June 1, 2026