Italy’s gymnastics scene experienced a remarkably successful 2025, marked by both athletic triumphs and a poignant display of resilience following a devastating accident. The year unfolded in two distinct phases: the first quarter under previous management, highlighted by bronze medals at the Cottbus Cup in Germany-Edoardo De Rosa in equestrian and Niccolò Vannucchi in both floor exercise and vault-and a transition on March 1st to Andrea Facci, the 28th FGI president, elected with 98.7% of the vote at the 98th National Assembly in Fiumicino.
A Year of Firsts and Continued Dominance
The Italian gymnastics federation saw unprecedented expansion and success on the world stage in 2025.
- Italy secured team titles at the European Championships in both rhythmic and aerobic gymnastics.
- The nation hosted international championships for small apparatus in South America and large apparatus in Southeast Asia for the first time.
- Lorenzo Bonicelli’s courageous recovery following a serious accident became a rallying point for the entire gymnastics community.
- New scoring elements were invented and recognized internationally by Italian gymnasts.
facci’s leadership, beginning in the federation’s 126th year, quickly propelled the sport towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The “Hollywood Generation” debuted as the international federation innovatively brought the small apparatus world championship to South America and the large apparatus championship to southeast Asia. European Gymnastics, under the continued leadership of Farid Gayibov, also expanded its reach, hosting the artistic championships in Leipzig, Saxony; rhythmic gymnastics in Tallinn, Estonia; and aerobics in Ganja, Azerbaijan. Italy dominated the latter two, winning senior continental team rankings in both disciplines. Growth continued across the board, with increased participation-boosted by reduced non-competitor card costs and improved insurance-and a surge in affiliated amateur clubs, establishing the FGI as a vibrant force in Italian sports.
Triumphs and Tragedy on the World Stage
The year was filled with podium finishes, both expected and surprising.pietro Mazzola’s performance at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Osijek was a highlight, as was the debut of lorenzo Bonicelli, alongside Ivan Rigon and Riccardo Ruggeri, at the “Category World Championship” in Manila, Philippines. This success was echoed at the comegym competition in Istanbul, where Andrea Bartasi, Mattia Beretta, and Elia Doardi also claimed podium spots. However, the year was also marked by tragedy, as Lorenzo Bonicelli suffered a serious accident during training.
On the men’s side, the Ferrara Gymnastics Gym claimed a historic title, defeating Gymnastic romagna Team and Artistica Brescia. Manrique Laurdet, a cuban-born athlete competing for Civitavecchia, became the italian champion, succeeding Lorenzo Minh Casali. The Sardinian individual championships exemplified the spirit of inclusivity and international camaraderie, with Algerian Olympian Kaylia Nemour participating as a guest. Italy’s growing influence in the gymnastics world was further solidified through technical agreements with Portugal and France, and the hosting of future international events, including the Aerobics World Championship in Pesaro in 2026.
The year concluded with meaningful electoral successes in Prague, where Marta Pagnini and several othre Italian representatives were reconfirmed in their roles on European Gymnastics committees, further cementing Italy’s position as a global leader in the sport.
