42nd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships
Rotterdam (NED), October 16 – 24, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, May 20, 2010: The 42nd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships set for Rotterdam (NED) this year are drawing a great response from national gymnastics federations around the world. By the time provisional registration closed yesterday, May 19, a record number of gymnasts had entered the championships. A total of 729 gymnasts (399 men and 330 women) from 72 different nations are expected to make their way to Rotterdam in October. However, whether or not 2010 will go down in history as the world championships with the greatest number of competitors ever remains to be seen; we’ll know more after the athletes have shown up in Rotterdam.

It’s easy to see why the Rotterdam Worlds are attracting so many participating nations. This year’s championships will determine which 24 Teams in Men’s and Women’s Artistic will go on to compete at the 2011 World Championships in Tokyo (JPN), prior to the 2012 Olympic Games. A total of 56 Teams will compete in Men’s, and 47 in Women’s.

After Tokyo 2011, the second qualifying event for London 2012 will be the Olympic Test Events, set for January at the North Greenwich Arena in London (GBR).

Click here for provisional registration information on the 42nd FIG Artistic World Championships.

It’s worth noting that the 24th World Championships, also held in Rotterdam back in 1987, attracted a mere 42 countries and 377 competitors!