On Monday, December 22, Beijing played host to a glittering honors ceremony celebrating 12 new world champions from the Trampoline, Rhythmic, and Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. As young stars from across the globe looked on, the event also served as the kickoff for the team’s winter training session, setting the stage for another breakthrough year.
At the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Team China—Ding Xinyi, Wang Lanjing, Pu Yanzhu, Zhang Xinyi, and Liu Miaoting—clinched gold in the 5 ribbons final. Liu Miaoting and Zhang Xinyi celebrated their first world titles, joining an elite circle of champions and inspiring a new wave of fans across social media, where #RhythmicGymnastics and #Rio2025 trended for hours.
The Pamplona Trampoline World Championships saw Wang Zisai and Hu Yicheng leap to victory in the men’s and women’s individual events. China further showcased its depth by capturing gold in both the women’s team and mixed team competitions, bringing eight gymnasts to the world champions roster.
In Jakarta, the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships saw the Chinese squad return home with three gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. Star athlete Zou Jingyuan secured his fourth straight world crown on the parallel bars, while Hong Yanming and Zhang Qingying dazzled the crowd by topping the podium in the pommel horse and balance beam.
“I am so excited and happy, but also have a hard time believing it. It’s unreal. It feels like I got the honor in the blink of an eye,” said Zhang Qingying, fresh from her balance beam triumph. “For the winter training, I’ll definitely hold myself to higher standards. I will try to nail every move and polish the details.”
With the ceremony behind them, these young athletes will dive into an intensive winter program designed to refine their routines and build momentum for next season’s global competitions. Their stories are resonating with a generation of digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who see sport as a platform for growth and connection across cultures.
As the global gymnastics community celebrates these milestones, the ceremony in Beijing highlighted both individual brilliance and the power of teamwork—reminding us why we tune in, cheer on, and share in the triumphs of young athletes pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
