2025 Worlds Draw and Named Rosters

[Sasha]

Italy did very well for themselves in 2024, so imagine what they could do if their best team members are healthy

My god that's the dreeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaammmm.

 

[RedBirdie]

I'm shocked Esposito isn't going to worlds. When was the last time the reigning Euros champ missed worlds without an injury?

 

[RichardL]

I'm also shocked. I wonder how they were able to convince her to not go for the World AA title this year, which she was heavily favored to win. I feel like we're going to have a very flukey winner.

 

[MaryClare]

From the Italian articles I’ve read, I got the impression that Esposito is having a sort of post Olympic haitus

 

[Sasha]

Not a bad idea, but I'm still surprised by the timing. Maybe she realised belatedly that she needed the break. It would be an odd choice to get yourself in top form for Jesolo and then skip Worlds.

 

[makam]

Dang, she was my favorite to take the win. She must really want the break because I'm sure she also noticed she was the one to beat--the other gymnasts with comparable scores suffer from more inconsistency than she does.

 

[Aeris]

I'm also shocked. I wonder how they were able to convince her to not go for the World AA title this year, which she was heavily favored to win. I feel like we're going to have a very flukey winner.

Nemour is the clear winner if she hits. Hopefully she pulls out that mid-14's beam performance at Worlds. Otherwise, I'd love to see Leanne Wong take it. In my book she already deserved to win in 2021. China winning their first AA title would also be exciting if Zhang Qingying does her absolute best (or Zhang Yihan if she is sent and miraculously does her absolute best).

 

[IratePanda]

I wonder if some federations have deprioritized Worlds because it's a post-Olympic year and there's no team event. The location might also be a factor. It's not that easy to get to Jakarta.

 

[MaryClare]

I wonder if some federations have deprioritized Worlds because it's a post-Olympic year and there's no team event. The location might also be a factor. It's not that easy to get to Jakarta.

I don’t think it’s so much the location, the cost and logistics are the same whether you send your top ranked athlete or your 5th. I think it’s just normal post Olympic worlds situation, we just haven’t had it for a while but 2017 was pretty blah. Other than the women’s AA podium, I couldn’t tell you who won anything else.

 

[ArnoldRimmer]

I wonder if some federations have deprioritized Worlds because it's a post-Olympic year and there's no team event. The location might also be a factor. It's not that easy to get to Jakarta.

It looks like Italy WAG might've chosen to prioritise Euros over worlds, doesn't it? I didn't think particularly about location, but it was not just a full Euros but one with a new event they probably expected to win. And also their last opportunity to completely dominate a championship, with Russian individuals coming back and GB having an off year.

That does happen occasionally in post Olympic years. Russia WAG in 2013 was another, albeit that may be linked to them hosting both Euros and Universiade that year. They seemed to be peaking their athletes for the home competitions.

 

[MaryClare]

It looks like Italy WAG might've chosen to prioritise Euros over worlds, doesn't it? I didn't think particularly about location, but it was not just a full Euros but one with a new event they probably expected to win. And also their last opportunity to completely dominate a championship, with Russian individuals coming back and GB having an off year.

That does happen occasionally in post Olympic years. Russia WAG in 2013 was another, albeit that may be linked to them hosting both Euros and Universiade that year. They seemed to be peaking their athletes for the home competitions.

At the end of 2012, all national team athletes aged 18 got a cash bonus to remain in training, such was the significance of hosting universiade

 

[Denn]

Is Melnikova allowed to go to Worlds? I can't keep track.

If so, then Nemour, Melnikova, and whatever two Americans and two Chinese athletes are allowed to qualify will be the only real contenders, I feel.

Honestly, at this point — with Esposito out, and I agree she was the favorite — I think it's going to be Nemour.

 

[Aeris]

I forgot that most of the Russian WAG are eligible for Worlds. Anna Kalmykova and Lyudmila Roshchina have AA chances, probably not Melnikova given her current level. Roschina also has to be considered the favorite for UB Bronze right now.

 

[ArnoldRimmer]

Is Melnikova allowed to go to Worlds? I can't keep track.

If so, then Nemour, Melnikova, and whatever two Americans and two Chinese athletes are allowed to qualify will be the only real contenders, I feel.

Honestly, at this point — with Esposito out, and I agree she was the favorite — I think it's going to be Nemour.

Yes, Melnikova is allowed.

Have we had confirmation Barbosu isn't going? She'd have been about half a point behind Esposito in the Euros AA with a hit beam routine.

She's in the US with her team now, I don't know enough about the day to day workings of NCAA to tell if that means she's definitely staying put.

 

[MaryClare]

I forgot that most of the Russian WAG are eligible for Worlds. Anna Kalmykova and Lyudmila Roshchina have AA chances, probably not Melnikova given her current level. Roschina also has to be considered the favorite for UB Bronze right now.

I was impressed with Melnikova given how she look a couple of months ago. If she continues on that trajectory, she could have an AA medal chance. Roschina and Kalmykova have only competed domestically, it’s a big ask for them to go into worlds and challenge for medals

 

[CameliasFingerpaint]

That does happen occasionally in post Olympic years. Russia WAG in 2013 was another, albeit that may be linked to them hosting both Euros and Universiade that year. They seemed to be peaking their athletes for the home competitions.

Mustafina still did amazing things at that worlds! Some of my favorite routines of hers are from that competition.

It does suck that they overworked the rest of that team though. I’m still not over the fact that Afanasyeva had an Amanar for 15 minutes that summer.

 

[ArnoldRimmer]

Mustafina still did amazing things at that worlds! Some of my favorite routines of hers are from that competition.

It does suck that they overworked the rest of that team though. I’m still not over the fact that Afanasyeva had an Amanar for 15 minutes that summer.

She really did! We don't talk enough about the quality of work she produced that year. But as usual, Aliya was a special case.

 

[IratePanda]

Friends, we have an announcement from China! The WAG team is Zhang Qingying (AA), Zhou Yaqin (BB/FX), Yang Fanyuwei (UB) and Deng Yalan (V). They're clearly trying to maximize medal potential. I'm a little sad for Qin Xinyi and Zhang Yihan, but I understand leaving them at home.

Yay Deng Yalan!! Does someone from CGA read here? It's crazy to think this will be her first international competition in more than ten years. I would love to see her on the V podium.

 

[QuietColours]

I'm so surprised there trying for the vault medal, but thrilled for Deng!

 

[RichardL]

omg!! First Luo Huan and now Deng Yalan!