With so many medals in the sport and the dominance of the Golden Girls, one might think that gymnastics must be very popular in the USA. However, while that may be correct for the women’s division, the same cannot be said for the men’s division. But while things looked more and more grim, some gymnasts took it upon themselves to change the trajectory of the sport. And now, finally, things look better as Andrew Tombs, the new director of the technical committee, looks to make this long dream a reality. But how can this be done?

Well, as it so happens, Olympians Stephan Nedoroscik and Carlos Yulo were among the many who wanted changes in the current structure of gymnastics routines. Why? Because, unlike the women’s division, the men’s division had more elements. This challenges both the longevity and performance of the gymnasts. This might also lead to long-term injuries, hindering growth.

For years, the grueling demands of men’s gymnastics have pushed athletes to their physical limits. With the pressure of the challenge concerning the ten high-difficulty exercises that are included in their routines, the gymnasts, particularly their shoulders, are on a very tough and intense journey. FIG Men’s Technical Committee President Andrew Tombs also observed that “as difficulty grew within ten-element routines, there was evidence of long-term injuries, particularly with the shoulders.”

Tombs has never shied away from talking about the change, and that’s the reason when, during last summer, the counting of elements in men’s routines was proposed from ten to eight, Tombs didn’t hesitate to advocate for it. But there’s more to this shift than just injury prevention. It’s also about keeping gymnasts in the game—literally. According to Gymnastics Sports, Tombs said, “We also wanted to see more gymnasts continue within the all-around competition, and going down to eight elements would encourage this.”

A shorter routine means less tiredness, resulting in the capacity to perform on multiple apparatuses successfully without sacrificing overall performance. For the 2025-2028 Olympic cycle, the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) recently released revisions to the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Code of Points. The recent decision to reduce men’s all-around routines to eight elements aims to ease this burden. It will also potentially extend careers and encourage more athletes to compete across all the apparatuses.

With this change, men’s gymnasts like Stephen Nedoroscik, Carlos Yulo, Fred Richard, and others’ efforts seemed to be fulfilled. Like Stephen said a few months ago, “I wanted to make that a point because the sport itself has been slowly dying… to make sure this sport not only is surviving but thriving,” it shows that there is a sight of tension regarding the future of men’s gymnastics among athletes.

Fred Richard, another advocate for change, also expressed concerns about how downsizing men’s gymnastics might not be a choice athletes willingly make. Rather, it will be a forced adaptation to an unforgiving system. Their perspectives underscore a critical issue. While some modifications, like reducing routine difficulty, may help, they fail to address the root problem—the lack of structural support for men’s gymnastics, both at the collegiate and professional levels.

Beyond vocal advocacy, athletes like Carlos Yulo have taken action, fighting to keep men’s gymnastics relevant on the global stage. Yulo, known for his impeccable technique and groundbreaking performances, has consistently pushed for higher recognition and support for male gymnasts. And now, with new changes, men’s gymnastics is undergoing a crucial transformation, one that could shape the future of the sport.

A step closer to women’s gymnastics

For years, men’s and women’s gymnastics have operated under different structures, with distinct rules and requirements shaping each discipline. One key difference? Women’s gymnastics has long followed an eight-element routine, while men’s routines stretched to ten, demanding greater endurance and skill execution.

Now, with the shift to an eight-element structure in men’s gymnastics, the sport is taking a step toward alignment. This move isn’t just about leveling the playing field. It’s about creating a more unified approach that could reshape the future of gymnastics as a whole. Bringing men’s and women’s gymnastics closer in structure has significant benefits, starting with accessibility.

A streamlined format could make it easier for young gymnasts to transition between disciplines. It will also help them train under similar regimens, reducing confusion and disparities in coaching methods. As Tombs pointed out, the intense strain of ten-element routines has cut many men’s careers short. Aligning with the women’s format could help athletes sustain longer, healthier careers while keeping competition just as thrilling.

Beyond individual benefits, this shift could also help address larger disparities in the sport. Historically, women’s gymnastics has seen more media attention and sponsorship opportunities, partly due to its streamlined and spectator-friendly format. If men’s gymnastics moves in a similar direction, it could create new pathways for visibility, funding, and fan engagement.

A more unified structure might also encourage event organizers to promote both disciplines equally. This will ensure that male gymnasts receive the same level of support and recognition as their female counterparts. Of course, change comes with its fair share of skepticism. Some athletes, like Fred Richard, worry about what this means for the skill level and uniqueness of men’s gymnastics.

But if done right, this shift could be the catalyst the sport needs. One that not only protects athletes but also opens new doors for the next generation. At its core, gymnastics is about evolution. This move might just be the step that keeps the sport moving forward.