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Get set to flip over the high-flying world of gymnastics!

Ready for a whirlwind tour of flips, twists, and gravity-defying feats? Let’s vault into the nations where gymnasts leap to fame and the sport somersaults into the spotlight.

Fasten your grips, it’s time for a global gymnastics roll call!

Countries where gymnastics is most popular:

  1. United States
  2. Russia
  3. China
  4. Japan
  5. Romania
  6. Germany
  7. Ukraine
  8. France
  9. Italy
  10. Great Britain
  11. Brazil
Gymnastics

#1 United States

Fernando FrazΓ£o/AgΓͺncia Brasil,Β USA Gymnastics Team Rio 2016-08-04, scaling by sportsfoundation.org,Β CC BY 3.0 BR

Gymnastics in the United States garners widespread acclaim, attributable to its impressive track record at international competitions, particularly the Olympics.

USA Gymnastics, the sport’s national governing body, nurtures elite talent through extensive programs. The prominence of gymnastics is also reflected in the popularity of collegiate gymnastics, which attracts significant national attention.

#2 Russia

Pierre-Yves Beaudouin,Β 2014 Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships – Women’s group – Qualifications – Russia 2 19, scaling by sportsfoundation.org,Β CC BY-SA 4.0

Russia’s gymnastics legacy is rich, tracing back to the Soviet era, where gymnasts were dominant forces in the sport.

Despite political shifts, this tradition continues, with Russian athletes often at the forefront of international competitions. The comprehensive training system and the country’s celebration of gymnastic achievements contribute to its enduring popularity.

#3 China

Martin Rulsch,Β Wikimedia Commons,Β CC BY-SA 4.0,Β 2019-06-28 1st FIG Artistic Gymnastics JWCH Women’s All-around competition Subdivision 5 Balance beam (Martin Rulsch) 177, scaling by sportsfoundation.org,Β CC BY-SA 4.0

China’s gymnasts are known for their meticulous technique and discipline, largely a result of a robust national sports program that identifies and cultivates young talent.

The country consistently delivers strong performances in international competitions, bolstering gymnastics’ popularity and prestige within China.

#4 Japan

cdephotos,Β Japan Rhythmic gymnastics at the 2012 Summer Olympics (7915184664), scaling by sportsfoundation.org,Β CC BY 2.0

Japanese gymnastics is renowned, especially in men’s gymnastics, thanks to a history of Olympic success and influential gymnasts like Kohei Uchimura.

Gymnastics is considered a respected discipline in Japan, promoting physical education and contributing to the Japanese reputation for excellence in the sport.

#5 Romania

NuΘ›Δƒ LucianΒ from Cluj-Napoca, Romania,Β Campionatul National de Gimnastica (1-3 iulie 2016) (27905950570), scaling by sportsfoundation.org,Β CC BY 2.0

Romania has a storied history in gymnastics, particularly in women’s artistic gymnastics. The country has produced some of the sport’s most legendary figures, including Nadia ComΔƒneci, who achieved the first perfect score in Olympic gymnastics history.

Romanian gymnasts have consistently excelled on the international stage, supported by a strong national training program. Although recent years have seen challenges, Romania remains a respected name in the world of gymnastics, with a focus on rebuilding and nurturing new talent.

#6 Germany

Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0,Β 2022-08-14 European Championships 2022 – Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Apparatus Final Uneven Bars by Sandro Halank–096, scaling by sportsfoundation.org,Β CC BY-SA 4.0

With a heritage of producing world-class gymnasts, Germany’s fascination with gymnastics is evident. The country’s structured training system and successful gymnastics clubs underscore its commitment to the sport.

Gymnastics is a well-respected discipline in Germany, celebrated through national competitions and strong performances in international championships, reflecting its significant place in German sports culture.

#7 Ukraine

Π’Π»Π°ΡΠ½Ρ–ΡΡ‚ΡŒ ΠœΡ–Π½Ρ–ΡΡ‚Π΅Ρ€ΡΡ‚Π²Π° ΠΌΠΎΠ»ΠΎΠ΄Ρ– Ρ‚Π° спорту Π£ΠΊΡ€Π°Ρ—Π½ΠΈ,Β Ukrainian rhythmic gymnastics team at Tokyo 2020, scaling by sportsfoundation.org,Β CC BY 4.0

Ukraine has a storied history in gymnastics, showcasing a strong tradition particularly in rhythmic gymnastics.

Ukrainian gymnasts are often among the top contenders in European and World Championships, testament to the country’s rigorous training programs. The nation’s appreciation for the sport’s artistry and athleticism resonates among its people, uplifting gymnastics as a symbol of national pride.

#8 France

TwoWings,Β Marine Boyer – Glasgow 2018 – 02, scaling by sportsfoundation.org,Β CC BY-SA 4.0

In France, gymnastics boasts a widespread and dedicated following, with a history of producing exceptional talent, especially in rhythmic gymnastics. The French Gymnastics Federation plays a significant role in nurturing athletes and popularizing the sport through national events.

French gymnasts’ elegance and technique are distinctly celebrated, exemplifying the country’s affinity for the aesthetic and discipline inherent in gymnastics.

#9 Italy

cdephotos,Β London 2012 Rhythmic Gymnastics – Italy, scaling by sportsfoundation.org,Β CC BY 2.0

Gymnastics in Italy encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including artistic, rhythmic, and trampoline gymnastics. Italy has achieved considerable success, particularly in rhythmic gymnastics, where Italian gymnasts are known for their creativity and elegance.

The Italian Gymnastics Federation actively promotes the sport at all levels, from grassroots to elite, and Italy regularly hosts international competitions that contribute to the sport’s popularity and development within the country.

#10 Great Britain

Sandro Halank, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0,Β 2018-10-15 Team Great Britain (Final Acrobatic Gymnastics) at 2018 Summer Youth Olympics by Sandro Halank–070, scaling by sportsfoundation.org,Β CC BY-SA 4.0

In recent years, Great Britain has emerged as a powerhouse in gymnastics, particularly after hosting the 2012 London Olympics, which significantly raised the profile of the sport.

British gymnasts have garnered numerous medals in European, World, and Olympic competitions, with a particularly strong showing in artistic gymnastics. The UK has excellent training facilities and programs that nurture young talent, contributing to the sustained success and growth of gymnastics across the nation.

#11 Brazil

Rede do Esporte,Β Brazil women’s team 2016 Olympics Test Event qualification, scaling by sportsfoundation.org,Β CC BY 3.0 BR

Gymnastics in Brazil has grown in popularity and success over the past few decades, particularly in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. Brazilian gymnasts have made their mark in Pan American Games and have shown strong performances in World Championships and the Olympics.

The sport benefits from broad media coverage and public support, especially following impressive performances by Brazilian gymnasts on the international stage. Brazil continues to invest in gymnastics, with numerous clubs and academies developing young talent across the country.

Gymnastics

FAQ

Which country is Gymnastics played the most?

Gymnastics is played the most in the United States, a country with a strong competitive history, widespread participation, and numerous gymnastics programs at all levels of skill.

Which country watches Gymnastics the most?

The United States watches Gymnastics the most, hosting many international competitions and having a large audience that follows both national and Olympic-level gymnasts and events.

Where was Gymnastics originally played?

Gymnastics was originally played in ancient Greece. Here’s a link to our Gymnastics history article. It was part of the ancient Olympics and has evolved through various forms over centuries.

Meet Rev, one of our dedicated team members who embodies the essence of sports passion. When he’s not immersed in the world of sports content creation, Rev is busy honing his skills in esports and exploring the great outdoors through activities like hiking and basketball.

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