Baku Azerbaijan: Recap

After an exciting few days, the second-last World Cup of 2026 (from the 2026 FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup series) has ended. The final rhythmic gymnastics World Cup will be in Milan, Italy, in July.  Taisiia Onofriichuk secured the all-around gold with a score of 115.650. Darja Varfolomeev came in second with 114.750. Stiliana Nikolova placed third with 114.050

Apparatus Finals Results:

Hoop 

GOLD: Taisiia ONOFRIICHUK 

SILVER: Stiliana NIKOLOVA 

BRONZE: Sofiia ILTERIAKOVA

Ball 

GOLD: Darja VARFOLOMEEV

SILVER: Sofia RAFFAELI

BRONZE: Stiliana NIKOLOVA

Clubs 

GOLD: Darja VARFOLOMEEV

SILVER: Sofiia ILTERIAKOVA

BRONZE: Taisiia ONOFRIICHUK

Ribbon 

GOLD:  Darja VARFOLOMEEV

SILVER:  Sofia RAFFAELI

BRONZE: Akmaral YEREKESHEVA

Click here to view all results. 

To everyone's delight, Margarita Kolosov returned to competition at her first international event of 2026 after suffering injuries in 2026. In an interview, she said she has returned with a new mindset, focusing on her love of the sport and enjoying herself rather than the pressure of competitions. She placed 44th in the all-around. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esspw0eJuXs

Akmaral Yerekesheva, of Kazakhstan, recently turned 16, made her senior debut earlier this year, securing a bronze medal in the ribbon final and placing 10th all around. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okSannjVpRo

Sofia Ilteriakova, having made her senior debut in 2026,  winning the all-around goal Moscow championships, and the silver in the Russian championships earlier this year, placed 5th in the all-around. She also secured bronze in the hoop final and silver in the clubs. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3JKVmWTSeE

The results from the Baku World Cup are important because they contribute to the FIG World Cup series, which forms part of the qualification pathway for the LA 2028 Olympic Games. Gymnasts can accumulate ranking points across the series based on their performances, leading to the final World Cup standings and then Olympic quota places. Therefore, performances at events such as Baku are important, as each result contributes to the final ranking that leads toward Olympic qualification.

What will also pay a big part are the European Championships, Held from May 27th - 31st, Varna, Bulgaria, purchase tickets here. And the World Championships held in Frankfurt, Germany, August 10-12th. Purchase tickets here.