Morinari Watanabe failed to convince the IOC members to elect him to succeed Thomas Bach last March, but the Japanese coach had plenty to keep him busy at the head of the International Gymnastics Federation. The past year has been marked by ambition, innovation and significant progress in all disciplines " he emphasizes in a message published on the organization's website. Progress in all disciplines, and at several levels, including marketing, participation, and geographical diversity.
Brazil and Indonesia, new playgrounds
Aged 66, Watanabe has led the FIG since January 2017. He was re-elected for a third term in October 2024 and will therefore remain at the helm until 2028. His challenge: to propel the FI and gymnastics into the future. The year 2025 provided an opportunity to lay some promising foundations in this regard. In rhythmic gymnastics, the World Championships were held in Brazil, a historic first for the Pan American region. With a record number of participating nations, this event played a key role in the development of gymnastics across the continent. "That's what Watanabe said, satisfied.
« Artistic gymnastics held its World Championships for the first time in Southeast Asia, in Indonesia.He says. This landmark event, which was once again marked by unprecedented participation, has significantly boosted the growth of gymnastics in the Asian region. "The leader did not shy away from the controversy arising from the Indonesian authorities' refusal to grant visas to Israeli athletes, reiterating that he was It is regrettable that not all national federations were able to participate. "to these championships."
A controversy that prompted the IOC to act and sidelined Indonesia. The 2026 World Championships should pose fewer difficulties for the FIG since they will be held in Germany (rhythmic gymnastics), Spain (aerobic gymnastics), Italy (acrobatic gymnastics), the Netherlands (artistic gymnastics) and China (trampoline), between August and November.
Mixed events and unusual settings
Innovations such as the introduction of a synchronized mixed event at the Trampoline World Championships also marked the past year. This could be the key to unlocking synchronized trampoline at the Olympic Games. “,” confided Christophe Lambert, president of the FIG trampoline technical committee, last year. The trampoline has taken a bold new direction "at the intersection of sport and entertainment," emphasizes Morinari Watanabe.
« The Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships were held for the first time in a hotel ballroom. Despite initial concerns, this new format proved very successful, reminding us of the importance of questioning established conventions. " he continued, adding that Acrobatic gymnastics, aerobic gymnastics, and parkour have each taken important initiatives, laying the foundations for significant growth in the years to come. Last month also saw the FIG officially come under the banner of World Gymnastics, another important step "so that gymnastics benefits" of increased attention and recognition on a global scale ».
