Epke Zonderland Tournament Director at the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships
Epke Zonderland has been named Tournament Director of the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, which will take place from 17 to 25 October in Rotterdam Ahoy. As Tournament Director, Epke Zonderland will represent the event to fans, media, and partners, and as someone with firsthand experience, he can make an important contribution to the organization.
Zonderland is regarded as an icon in international gymnastics. He became European Champion three times and World Champion three times on the horizontal bar, and made history in 2012 by winning Olympic gold in London. In 2021, now graduated as a medical doctor, he took part in the Olympic Games for the fourth time, after which he ended his active sports career.
Since then, Zonderland has remained closely involved in gymnastics, among other roles as an inspirer, speaker, and advocate for elite sport. His knowledge, experience, and commitment make him the ideal person to help shape the 2026 World Gymnastics Championships as Tournament Director and figurehead.
Zonderland on his new role:
“It is an absolute honour to be involved as Tournament Director at the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in our own country. At Rotterdam Ahoy, we will put on a spectacular event that will inspire the gymnastics world. I sincerely hope that our Dutch gymnasts take this World Championship as an opportunity to elevate their careers to a higher level, and that some of the veterans among them end their careers here in a brilliant way — hopefully with a medal as the crowning glory!”
