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What is Para Gymnastics?
Para Gymnastics is a new and developing area of competitive gymnastics for those with physical disabilities.
Although disability gymnastics has existed in Great Britain for many years, Para Gymnastics itself is new. In October 2024, World Gymnastics (also known as FIG) officially recognised it as a discipline and work began on developing the rules and classification system needed for international competition.
So, what does that mean — and could we eventually see gymnastics at the Paralympic Games?
How Is Para Gymnastics Different from Disability Gymnastics?
Disability Gymnastics is the broader discipline, encompassing all disability categories.
Para Gymnastics isn’t simply a new name for Disability Gymnastics. It is a new international discipline being developed with its own rules and classification system - and hopefully, future competition opportunities for all levels.
Classification is particularly important in para sport, because it aims to group athletes according to how an eligible impairment affects their ability to perform within that sport, helping to create fair competition.
The First UK Para Gymnastics Trial
In March 2026, British Gymnastics held the UK’s first Para Gymnastics trial alongside the Artistic Gymnastics British Championships in Liverpool. Thirteen gymnasts from seven clubs took part.
This trial was all about showcasing who Para gymnastics is for whilst allowing the gymnasts to trial the developing rules. This is one of two events so far that has used the Paralympic rules, the other being the Waveney Disability Open Partnership Event held in May of this year. Only the Waveney Disability Open was a scored competition.
This trial was an early step in the process, but a very important one. Not every Para gymnast was invited to this event, so we are very interested to see who else will benefit from the existence of Para Gymnastics.
Could Para Gymnastics Become a Paralympic Sport?
Hopefully!
Gymnastics isn’t currently part of the Paralympic Games, however British Gymnastics has stated its ambition to see gymnastics become so in the future.
There is no guarantee that this will happen though hopes remain high for those who are likely to be eligible. The recognition of Para Gymnastics by World Gymnastics (FIG) and the development of international rules/classification are important steps towards making it possible.
For the gymnasts involved now, it’s an unusual but exciting opportunity. Every competition they do, any bit of awareness they create, is all becoming part of the history of disability gymnastics and is instrumental in the creation of a new competitive discipline.
Why Awareness Matters
Disability Gymnastics, as a whole, is an overlooked discipline. The only time that it is really talked about and showcased on a public, national stage is during the Artistic Gymnastics British Championships in Liverpool, where the Disability Masters are held. This doesn’t accurately showcase the disability stream and is not accessible for those who would be eligible for Para Gymnastics.
Para Gymnastics is giving gymnasts more than new opportunities — it is giving them a platform. Limb differences are currently among the more visible impairments within Para Gymnastics, and they can have a significant impact on how a gymnast trains, performs and competes. Representation matters: when disabled children see gymnasts achieving in the sport despite the barriers they face, they may feel inspired to try gymnastics themselves.
Representation beyond the Gym
Working with Para gymnast Steph has made us realise how little gymnastics clothing and merchandise represents para and disability gymnasts. There is very little out there.
That’s why we’ve been working together on our first Disability and Para Gymnast Performance design, available now with more exciting designs being developed!
Steph has also written a blog about her experiences as one of Britain’s leading para gymnasts, what the sport means to her and how to get started in disability gymnastics.
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