Vera Tugolukova has become the first Cypriot rhythmic gymnast to qualify for two finals at a World Championship, securing places in both the ball and individual all-around events.
The achievement came at the 42nd Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Frankfurt, Germany, where Tugolukova delivered a strong performance in the qualifying rounds.
Cyprus first at world championships
According to the Cyprus Gymnastics Federation, Tugolukova finished among the top eight gymnasts in ball, earning a place in the apparatus final.
Her overall results also placed her among the 18 leading gymnasts advancing to the individual all-around final.
Tugolukova is competing in Frankfurt alongside her coach, Elena Nefedova.
Competing among the world’s best
Under the competition format, the eight highest-ranked gymnasts in each apparatus advance to the respective final, while the top 18 overall qualify for the individual all-around final.
Approximately 300 athletes are participating in the championships, one of the leading events of the four-year international competition cycle and an important milestone on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The Cyprus Gymnastics Federation said Tugolukova’s performance demonstrated the growing ability of Cypriot rhythmic gymnastics to compete against the sport’s leading nations.
Finals in Frankfurt
Tugolukova will now compete against the world’s leading rhythmic gymnasts in the ball and individual all-around finals, both taking place in Frankfurt as part of the 2026 World Championships.
Source: CNA
