In 2019 the Federazione Ginnastica d'Italia (FGI) marked 150 years since its founding in 1869, making it one of the oldest sports federations in Europe. The anniversary was celebrated with events across the country, and it gave Italian gymnastics a moment to look back at a long and varied history.
Gymnastics in nineteenth-century Europe
When the FGI was founded, gymnastics in Europe was closely tied to education, military training and public health. Gymnastic societies spread through towns and cities, and many of the clubs founded in that period still exist. The federation brought these societies together and helped turn gymnastics into an organised national sport.
Italy's place in the sport
Italy has produced champions across disciplines: - In men's artistic gymnastics, Italian gymnasts have won Olympic gold on rings and other apparatus over the decades. - In rhythmic gymnastics, Italy's senior group, the Farfalle, has been one of the best in the world for many years. - In women's artistic gymnastics, Italy has been a consistent European force, with medals at European and World level. - And in Gymnastics for All, Italian clubs bring large groups to European festivals.
Why anniversaries matter
A 150th anniversary is also a reminder that gymnastics is not only elite sport. The FGI's history includes school programmes, community clubs and mass displays. The idea that gymnastics belongs to everyone, from children to older adults, has been part of the European movement since its beginning.
Looking back from 2026
Seven years after the anniversary, Italian gymnastics remains one of the strongest programmes in Europe. The long history celebrated in 2019 is part of the reason: deep club networks and coaching traditions take generations to build.
For more on the history of the sport on the continent, see our history of European gymnastics.
