LAUSANNE (Switzerland): The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) published the revised Qualification System for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for Artistic, Rhythmic and Trampoline events.
This new version, which has been approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), respects the main principles that were set.
However, the postponement of the Olympic Games by one year, as well as of the last qualifying competitions which were scheduled between mid-March and May 2020, led the IOC and the FIG to adjust some criteria.
The main modifications are related to:
- The extension of the qualification period until 29 June 2021 as set by the IOC.
The extension of this period allows more latitude for the holding of the World Cups and Continental Championships which could not be run during the first half of 2020.
- The minimum age required to participate in the Olympic Games in 2021.
The age criteria remain compliant with article 5.2 of the FIG Technical Regulations specifying minimum age necessary in the year of the competition to compete in the Olympic Games.
“We are delighted to have been able, along with the IOC, to swiftly update the qualification system in order to give athletes the assurance that the opportunities they were relying on to seek qualification remain unchanged, and so to bolster them in their preparation for the biggest event of their sporting careers,” FIG President Morinari Watanabe said in a Press release.
The FIG is currently working with continental Gymnastics unions and the organisers of the World Cups on setting new dates for the remaining qualifying competitions.
At the end of 2019, a large majority of the 324 Olympic berths in Gymnastics had already been allocated or were pending. Only a limited number of places can still be earned directly through the World Cup series or continental championships.
