Two of the names at the top of the results in Rotterdam, WG1 and WG2, need explaining. So does the absence of the reigning women's world all-around champion. Both come from the same issue: how Russian and Belarusian gymnasts take part in a championship held in the Netherlands.
What changed in 2026
In May 2026 World Gymnastics, formerly the FIG, lifted the restrictions on Russian and Belarusian gymnasts that had been in place since 2022. That allowed them to compete again under their own flags, rather than as neutral athletes.
The change soon met local politics. At a rhythmic World Cup in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, the host authorities refused to display the Russian flag or play the anthem. World Gymnastics then said host governments could decide on national symbols at their events. The Dutch government said it would enforce its ban on Russian and Belarusian national symbols in Rotterdam.
WG1 and WG2
That is why results lists show the Russian and Belarusian teams as WG1 and WG2 rather than under their national names. On the first day of men's qualification, WG2's team, which includes Arsenii Dukhno and Ilia Zaika, was third, and Dukhno was third in the all-around. Belarus's Yahor Sharamkou competes for WG1.
The visa refusals
Belarus's delegation received its visas without problems. Russia's did not. According to the Russian federation, the Dutch authorities refused visas to three members of the women's team: Angelina Melnikova, Viktoria Listunova and Anna Kalmykova. The refusal cited concern from "one or more Schengen Area member states" about the athletes and international relations.
The federation said 47 of the 61 members of its delegation had received visas, called the decision a deliberate removal of its strongest gymnasts, and said it would appeal to the IOC and World Gymnastics. World Gymnastics said visa decisions rest solely with the Dutch authorities and that it was working with both sides. Dutch ministries do not comment on individual applications.
Several other Russian gymnasts received visas in the days before the championships. Aleksandra Anufrieva, granted a visa on 15 October, filled the final place in the women's team.
Why it matters for the competition
Melnikova won the world all-around title in 2021 and again in Jakarta in 2025, and was part of the Russian team that won the European title in Zagreb in August 2026. Her absence changes the women's all-around. For the first time in this cycle, the title is open without either the defending world champion or the Olympic champion, Simone Biles. We look at the contenders in who can win the women's all-around in Rotterdam.
