2025 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships – stars to watch
Some of the gymnasts who captivated the French audience will aim to thrill Brazilian fans. Germany’s Darja Varfolomeev is one of the biggest names to watch.
She struck gold at Arena Porte de la Chapelle in Paris and is now targeting world titles — plural. At the 2023 World Championships, she swept all the individual events, a dominant display that the 18-year-old will attempt to repeat as she defends her five crowns.
Her main rival could be Italy’s Sofia Raffaeli. Before her Olympic bronze in Paris, she had won at least one medal at each of the last three World Championships, including four golds at the 2022 edition.
But reducing these Worlds to a Varfolomeev–Raffaeli duel would be a mistake. Taisiia Onofriichuk has been the revelation of the year. The Ukrainian became European all-around champion in June and currently leads the World Cup overall standings. Bulgaria’s Stiliana Nikolova is another gymnast who regularly shines on the continental stage and will look to dazzle the world at the 2025 Worlds.
The People’s Republic of China is especially anticipated in the group events. A year ago, the Chinese team outperformed Israel and Italy at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Bulgaria, Japan, and Spain are also frequent podium contenders and will aim to be back again. France, after finishing sixth in Paris and winning a historic silver medal at the 2025 European Championships with the 5 ribbons, could also play a role.