The Robbery & The Ongoing Romanian Soap Opera: European Championships 2026

The Robbery & The Ongoing Romanian Soap Opera: European Championships 2026

How "Russia" reclaimed its title to become European champion. We break down Angelina Melnikova's return, the Russian visa drama, Sabrina Voinea's D-score inquiry saga, a controversial beam-final robbery and what these results mean for the upcoming World Championships. GYMCASTIC LIVE REPLAY Watch our U.S. Championships live show with surprise guest Shannon Miller. Replay tickets: https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2026-u-s-championships/ [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2026-u-s-championships/] HEADLINES Team "World Gymnastics 2," aka Russia, topped the medal table with six medals. Angelina Melnikova led the team with three golds in the team, all-around and vault competitions, plus bronze medals on beam and floor. Italy finished second in the medal standings, led by European floor champion Manila Esposito. France placed third, with first-year senior Elena Colas winning beam gold and finishing second in the individual medal count. We discuss: * Sabrina Voinea's latest D-score inquiry saga and how an inquiry dropped her beam score by three tenths, knocking her out of the final * Russia's triumphant return and what its team score could foreshadow for Worlds * Melnikova's five-medal performance and how her all-around score compares internationally * Elena Colas' breakout senior European Championships * Why holding apparatus finals before the team final produced mixed results * Why Pauline Schäfer-Betz was robbed of a beam medal * Great Britain missing the medals after Becky Downie was replaced by Ruby Evans in the team-final bars lineup * Memorable skills from Estella Volkoff, Morgane Osyssek and Schäfer-Betz * Event-final victories for Melnikova, Helen Kevric, Colas and Esposito * The teams and individuals who qualified for the 2026 World Championships CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:36 Sabrina Voinea's inquiry saga 04:03 U.S. national team and vault clarifications 06:33 European Championships medal table 13:48 Angelina Melnikova and Elena Colas 21:31 GymCastic updates and Club Gym Nerd 25:01 Pauline Schäfer-Betz beam robbery 30:43 Manila Esposito 33:04 Unique beam mounts and skills 35:46 Helen Kevric and the bars final 38:09 Apparatus finals before the team final? 40:19 Huel 41:37 Competition-format discussion continues 50:47 Team final: Russia, Italy and France 57:13 All-around results and Worlds comparisons 59:12 Vault final 1:04:02 Bars final 1:05:45 Beam and floor finals 1:10:32 World Championships qualifiers SPONSOR Limited-time offer: Make healthy eating simple with Huel. New customers receive 15% off online with code GYMCASTIC at https://huel.com/GYMCASTIC [https://huel.com/GYMCASTIC]. Thank you to Huel for partnering with and supporting our show. LINKS European Championships results: https://results.smartscoring.com/live-results/7bbd2dc9-ea89-49c4-84a2-5009458acca0/live [https://results.smartscoring.com/live-results/7bbd2dc9-ea89-49c4-84a2-5009458acca0/live] AD FREE & BONUS EPISODES Join Club Gym Nerd for ad-free podcasts, weekly Behind the Scenes episodes, our members-only archive, games, forums and live-show discounts: https://gymcastic.com/club/ [https://gymcastic.com/club/] Add Club bonus and ad-free episodes to your podcast player: https://gymcastic.com/community/postid/89/ [https://gymcastic.com/community/postid/89/] LA 2028 Roster Lab: https://gymcastic.com/2028-roster-lab/ [https://gymcastic.com/2028-roster-lab/] Elite Score Explorer: https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/ [https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/] Gymnastics Calendar: https://gymcastic.com/gymnastics-calendar/ [https://gymcastic.com/gymnastics-calendar/] GymCastic Games: https://gymcastic.com/games/ [https://gymcastic.com/games/] Newsletters: https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/ [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/] Shop GymCastic: https://store.gymcastic.com/ [https://store.gymcastic.com/]

Back from U.S. Championships: Hezly Rivera, Fred Richard & Worlds Teams

We're back from the 2026 U.S. Gymnastics Championships! Hezly Rivera is a two-time national all-around champion, Fred Richard won the men's title, the U.S. men's World Championships team is set, and we have plenty to say about the women's road to Worlds and those domestic execution scores. Plus, Shannon Miller surprised us at our Phoenix live show, Euros began with breaking news, and Suni Lee, Shilese Jones and Jordan Chiles all have comeback updates. LIVE SHOW REPLAY Missed our U.S. Championships live show with a surprise appearance from Shannon Miller? Get live show replay tickets [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2026-u-s-championships/]. IN THIS EPISODE * Hezly Rivera wins her second consecutive U.S. all-around title. * Claire Pease takes silver and Charleigh Bullock bronze after both go 8-for-8. * Event champions: Jade Carey (vault), Claire Pease (bars), Hezly Rivera (beam) and Reese Esponda (floor). * We revisit Chellsie Memmel's comments about realistic domestic scoring. * Thirteen senior women are named to the national team and we break down the Worlds selection procedure. * The U.S. men's World team is Richard, Wiskus, Leykin, Nelson and Hoopes, with Moldauer as traveling alternate and Kim as non-traveling alternate. * Fred Richard's pajama deduction, Salute-Gate and the comeback status of Suni Lee, Shilese Jones and Jordan Chiles. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Breaking Euros News & U.S. Champs Recap 05:11 – Live Show Replay: Shannon Miller & Fiesty Judges 07:41 – Hezly Rivera Wins U.S. Title 14:26 – Event Champions: Carey, Pease, Rivera & Esponda 21:34 – National Team & Who's Moving Forward 24:21 – Women's Worlds Selection 26:39 – Men's World Team & Salute-Gate 30:25 – Suni Lee, Shilese Jones & Jordan Chiles RELATED: All podcasts and photo galleries from 2026 Championships here [https://gymcastic.com/?s=U.S.+National+Championships+2026] European Championships Results [https://results.smartscoring.com/live-results/7bbd2dc9-ea89-49c4-84a2-5009458acca0/live] 148: Shannon Miller [https://gymcastic.com/148-shannon-miller/] Shannon discusses It's Not About Perfect, her career, compulsories, coaching, cancer and life after gymnastics. 168: Shannon Miller, Belarusgate, NED vs GB [https://gymcastic.com/168-shannon-miller-belarusgate-ned-vs-gb/] Shannon returns to discuss body commentary, adult gymnastics, Worlds, Chusovitina and more. SUPPORT OUR WORK Club Gym Nerd [https://gymcastic.com/club/] – Get ad-free podcasts, Behind The Scenes, our bonus archive, games, score tools, members-only community and live-show discounts. GymCastic Merch [https://store.gymcastic.com/] GYMCASTIC TOOLS LA 2028 Roster Lab [https://gymcastic.com/2028-roster-lab/] Elite Score Explorer [https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/] International Gymnastics Calendar [https://gymcastic.com/gymnastics-calendar/] GymCastic Games [https://gymcastic.com/games/] Newsletters [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/]

Men's Final from the 2026 U.S. Gymnastics Championships

The men's national champion has been crowned and more from women's at the 2026 U.S. Championships! This is our live post-meetQ&A show. Here's how to ask questions live [https://gymcastic.com/community/club-member-area-club-member-area-member-far/#post-89]. Can't make it live? Add Club bonus episodes to your favorite podcast player (instructions here [https://gymcastic.com/community/postid/89/]) Join Club Gym Nerd [https://gymcastic.com/club/] for the ad-free extended episode, live Q&A and complete members-only archive. GYMCASTIC LIVE AT U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS GET IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL LIVE-SHOW TICKETS [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2026-u-s-championships/] WHEN: Sunday, August 9 after the Senior Women's Final podium ceremony at approximately 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Stream it online or join us in person at the Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, directly across the street from the arena. WHAT: It's the post-meet debrief -enjoy a cash bar/snacks and games while Jessica and Spencer will discuss the meet immediately after it happens, and you never know who will appear at a GymCastic live show. * Doors open at 5:30 p.m, show at approximately 6:00 p.m. In-person and virtual tickets are available. A limited-time replay will be available to virtual ticket holders.GET IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS LIVE-SHOW TICKETS [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2026-u-s-championships/] CHAPTERS Members Only begins Not a member? Join here [https://gymcastic.com/club/].HOW TO FOLLOW U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 — MEN'S DAY TWO 10:30 a.m. — Junior Men on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] 4:30 p.m. — Senior Men on Peacock/NBC ; outside the U.S. on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] PODCAST ~8:00 p.m. — Senior Men's Final Meet Report SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 — WOMEN'S DAY TWO 10:00 a.m. — Junior Women on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] 3:00 p.m. — Senior Women on Peacock / NBC; outside the U.S. on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] LIVE SHOW ~6:00 p.m. — get tickets now GymCastic Live: Senior Women's Final [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2026-u-s-championships/] Build your U.S. Championships team at GymCastic Fantasy League [https://gymcastic.com/2026-u-s-championships-fantasy-challenge]. SUPPORT OUR WORK * Club Gym Nerd [https://gymcastic.com/club/]: Ad-free podcasts, weekly live Q&A episodes, bonus content, complete archive, games, scoring tools, VIP forum and live-show discounts * Shop GymCastic [https://store.gymcastic.com/] TOOLS, GAMES AND RESOURCES * LA 2028 Roster Lab [https://gymcastic.com/2028-roster-lab/] * Elite Score Explorer [https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/] * International Gymnastics Calendar [https://gymcastic.com/gymnastics-calendar/] * GymCastic Games [https://gymcastic.com/games/] * GymCastic Newsletters [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/]

Skye Blakely & Claire Pease Lead, Judging Controversy | 2026 U.S. Championships

The scoes were crazy during women'sn day one at the 2026 U.S. Championships! This is our live post-meetQ&A show. Here's how to ask questions live [https://gymcastic.com/community/club-member-area-club-member-area-member-far/#post-89]. Can't make it live? Add Club bonus episodes to your favorite podcast player (instructions here [https://gymcastic.com/community/postid/89/]) Join Club Gym Nerd [https://gymcastic.com/club/] for the ad-free extended episode, live Q&A and complete members-only archive. GYMCASTIC LIVE AT U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS GET IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL LIVE-SHOW TICKETS [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2026-u-s-championships/] WHEN: Sunday, August 9 after the Senior Women's Final podium ceremony at approximately 6:00 p.m. WHERE: Stream it online or join us in person at the Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, directly across the street from the arena. WHAT: It's the post-meet debrief -enjoy a cash bar/snacks and games while Jessica and Spencer will discuss the meet immediately after it happens, and you never know who will appear at a GymCastic live show. * Doors open at 5:30 p.m, show at approximately 6:00 p.m. In-person and virtual tickets are available. A limited-time replay will be available to virtual ticket holders.GET IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS LIVE-SHOW TICKETS [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2026-u-s-championships/] CHAPTERS 00:00 – Women's Day One: Skye Blakely & Claire Pease Lead 03:00 – Judging Problems, Fred Richard & Salute-Gate 07:42 – WAG Scoring: Hezly Rivera, Reese Esponda & Vault Scores 09:28 – Chellsie Memmel on Judging Accuracy & Realistic Scores 12:14 – Dulcy Caylor, Charleigh Bullock & Skye Blakely Members Only begins Not a member? Join here [https://gymcastic.com/club/].18:26 – Coach Goes Off About Men's Judging 24:39 – Claire Pease, Worlds Team Math & Reese Esponda 31:05 – The Great 14.2 Vault Scoring Debate 36:14 – Jayla Hang's Return & Championships Observations 44:21 – Juniors, Vivi Crain & Athlete Safety 48:25 – Listener Questions: Vaults, Caroline Moreau & Elite Season 58:00 – Jade Carey's Competitive Drive & Oklahoma Men HOW TO FOLLOW U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 — WOMEN'S DAY ONE Noon — Junior Women on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] 7:00 p.m. — Senior Women on Peacock/NBC ; outside the U.S. on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] PODCAST ~10:00 p.m. — Senior Women's Day One Meet Report SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 — MEN'S DAY TWO 10:30 a.m. — Junior Men on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] 4:30 p.m. — Senior Men on Peacock/NBC ; outside the U.S. on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] PODCAST ~8:00 p.m. — Senior Men's Final Meet Report SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 — WOMEN'S DAY TWO 10:00 a.m. — Junior Women on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] 3:00 p.m. — Senior Women on Peacock / NBC; outside the U.S. on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] LIVE SHOW ~6:00 p.m. — get tickets now GymCastic Live: Senior Women's Final [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2026-u-s-championships/] Build your U.S. Championships team at GymCastic Fantasy League [https://gymcastic.com/2026-u-s-championships-fantasy-challenge]. SUPPORT OUR WORK * Club Gym Nerd [https://gymcastic.com/club/]: Ad-free podcasts, weekly live Q&A episodes, bonus content, complete archive, games, scoring tools, VIP forum and live-show discounts * Shop GymCastic [https://store.gymcastic.com/] TOOLS, GAMES AND RESOURCES * LA 2028 Roster Lab [https://gymcastic.com/2028-roster-lab/] * Elite Score Explorer [https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/] * International Gymnastics Calendar [https://gymcastic.com/gymnastics-calendar/] * GymCastic Games [https://gymcastic.com/games/] * GymCastic Newsletters [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/]

2026 U.S. Championships Preview

It's elite national championships week. Let's break it down. Join Club Gym Nerd [https://gymcastic.com/club/] for the ad-free extended episode, live Q&A podcasts all week and complete members-only archive. GET IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS LIVE-SHOW TICKETS [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2026-u-s-championships/] HOW TO FOLLOW U.S. CHAMPIONSHIPS Times are Phoenix local time/Pacific. Podcast times are estimates. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5 — PODIUM TRAINING Watch on FlipNow.TV [https://flipnow.usagym.org/]; outside the U.S. on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics]. 9:00–11:00 a.m. — Junior Men 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — Senior Men 2:30–5:00 p.m. — Junior Women 5:00–7:30 p.m. — Senior Women PODCAST ~8:30 p.m. — Senior Women's Podium Training Report THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 — MEN'S DAY ONE 1:00 p.m. — Junior Men on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] 7:00 p.m. — Senior Men on Peacock /NBC; outside the U.S. on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 — WOMEN'S DAY ONE Noon — Junior Women on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] 7:00 p.m. — Senior Women on Peacock/NBC ; outside the U.S. on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] PODCAST ~10:00 p.m. — Senior Women's Day One Meet Report SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 — MEN'S DAY TWO 10:30 a.m. — Junior Men on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] 4:30 p.m. — Senior Men on Peacock/NBC ; outside the U.S. on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] PODCAST ~8:00 p.m. — Senior Men's Final Meet Report SUNDAY, AUGUST 9 — WOMEN'S DAY TWO 10:00 a.m. — Junior Women on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] 3:00 p.m. — Senior Women on Peacock / NBC; outside the U.S. on USAG YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/usagymnastics] LIVE SHOW ~6:00 p.m. — get tickets now GymCastic Live: Senior Women's Final [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-live-at-the-2026-u-s-championships/] PLAY THE FANTASY GAME Build your U.S. Championships team at GymCastic Fantasy League [https://gymcastic.com/2026-u-s-championships-fantasy-challenge]. Use the Elite Score Explorer [https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/] to compare gymnasts and choose your lineup. SUPPORT OUR WORK * Club Gym Nerd [https://gymcastic.com/club/]: Ad-free podcasts, weekly live Q&A episodes, bonus content, complete archive, games, scoring tools, VIP forum and live-show discounts * Shop GymCastic [https://store.gymcastic.com/] * Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with our code GYMCASTIC at huel.com/GYMCASTIC. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! TOOLS, GAMES AND RESOURCES * LA 2028 Roster Lab [https://gymcastic.com/2028-roster-lab/] * Elite Score Explorer [https://gymcastic.com/elite-scores/] * International Gymnastics Calendar [https://gymcastic.com/gymnastics-calendar/] * GymCastic Games [https://gymcastic.com/games/] * GymCastic Newsletters [https://gymcastic.com/gymcastic-newsletters/] * The Balance Beam Situation [https://balancebeamsituation.com/] * Gymnastics History [https://www.gymnastics-history.com/] * Resistance Resources [https://gymcastic.com/resistance-resources/] Cover art and photographs © GymCastic / Steve Cooper. All rights reserved.