World premiere!

Never before has the Turkish Gymnastics Federation received an event of this kind – with an international audience – on its home turf. Done deal! Having expressed an interest at the San José (USA) Council in 2011, Atilla Orsel’s wish has been granted. The decision provides the Turkish federation, its gymnasts and president, Suat Celen, with access to the prestigious club of FIG world championship organising countries.

Previously known as Smyrna, Izmir has witnessed the most celebrated of ancient poets such as Homer, who after his Iliad and Odyssey would have told the tale of the voyage of the Rhythmic Naiads through time. In 2014, the 30th Rhythmic Worlds will bathe in a sumptuous history, adding their own adventures along the way.

The competition falls at the halfway mark to the Games of Rio de Janeiro in 2016. It will reveal or confirm the talent of young gymnasts who stood out at the Europeans in Baku (AZE) last June. Everyone is gearing up for the 2015 selection in Stuttgart (GER).

Izmir is a decisive step toward Brazil and the Olympic dream.