Team GB Ready for European Championships

Becky Downie © Instagram / bdownie92

Great Britain Announces Its Teams for Zagreb 2026

British Gymnastics has officially named the athletes who will represent Great Britain at the 2026 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships. The competition will take place in Zagreb, Croatia, from 13–23 August 2026, marking the first time the Croatian capital has hosted the European Championships.

The event will begin with the women’s senior and junior competitions from 13–16 August, while the men’s events will follow from 19–23 August.

(Source: British Gymnastics)

Why the European Championships Matter

The European Championships are one of the most important annual events in artistic gymnastics outside the Olympic Games and the World Championships.

The competition brings together Europe’s strongest gymnasts, allowing athletes to compete for individual apparatus medals, all-around titles, and team success. It is also an important opportunity for younger gymnasts to gain valuable international experience before future World Championships and Olympic qualification cycles.

Many Olympic medalists first established themselves at the European Championships before achieving global success.

Team GB’s Senior Women’s Squad

The senior women’s team features an exciting combination of experience and rising talent.

Among the selected athletes is Becky Downie, one of Britain’s most accomplished gymnasts. A multiple European champion and World medalist, Downie continues to demonstrate remarkable longevity at the highest level of the sport. Her experience will provide valuable leadership for a squad that also includes Abi Martin, Alia Leat, Ruby Evans, and Ruby Stacey.

Reserve athletes Shanna-Kae Grant and Shantae-Eve Amankwaah are also prepared to step into the team if required.

Spotlight on Becky Downie

At 34 years old, Becky Downie remains one of the most respected athletes in European gymnastics.

She has represented Great Britain across multiple Olympic cycles and is internationally recognized for her exceptional uneven bars routine, elegant execution, and consistency under pressure. One of her greatest strengths is her swing technique on the uneven bars, where she maintains continuous rhythm and precise handstand positions that minimize execution deductions.

Her ability to continue competing successfully over many years reflects outstanding physical preparation, technical efficiency, and adaptability as the Code of Points has evolved.

Team GB’s Senior Men’s Squad

The senior men’s team includes several experienced international competitors.

Joe Fraser returns alongside Courtney Tullock, Harry Hepworth, Jack Stanley, Jonas Rushworth, and Sol Scott. Fraser, a former World and European champion on parallel bars, brings valuable championship experience, while Tullock is internationally known for his powerful rings routine.

Together, the team combines proven medal contenders with younger athletes continuing to establish themselves at the senior level.

Junior Teams Represent the Future

The junior competitions are often the first opportunity for future stars to compete on the European stage.

Great Britain’s junior men’s and junior women’s squads include several athletes making important international appearances. Strong performances in Zagreb could become valuable experience as they prepare for future senior championships.

Many current Olympic finalists first competed internationally as juniors at European Championships before progressing to senior success.

Championship Schedule

13–16 August 2026 — Senior Women & Junior Women, Zagreb, Croatia

19–23 August 2026 — Senior Men & Junior Men, Zagreb, Croatia

The championships will feature team competitions, all-around events, apparatus finals, and junior competitions across every Olympic apparatus.

Interesting Fact

The European Artistic Gymnastics Championships have been held since 1955 for men and 1957 for women. Throughout their history, the event has introduced many future Olympic and World champions to international audiences.

Hosting the championships provides countries with an opportunity to showcase gymnastics to new fans while inspiring the next generation of athletes.

(Source: European Gymnastics)

What to Watch

Fans will be watching whether Great Britain can continue its recent success at major European competitions.

The experienced leadership of Becky Downie and Joe Fraser, combined with promising younger athletes, gives Team GB the opportunity to challenge for team medals while also competing for individual apparatus finals.

The Championships will also provide an early indication of which European gymnasts are emerging as leading contenders for future World Championships and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle.

Final Thoughts

The announcement of Great Britain’s teams marks the beginning of an exciting European Championship season.

With experienced champions returning alongside ambitious young gymnasts, Team GB arrives in Zagreb with depth, talent, and valuable international experience. As Europe’s best athletes compete across eleven days of gymnastics, fans can expect high-level performances, exciting new routines, and the next generation of stars beginning to make their mark.

Source: article on british-gymnastics.org, published July 7, 2026.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer