Showdown in Stuttgart

September's World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships are about more than just medals.

"Enjoy Your Rhythm" is the official slogan of the World Rhythmic Championships in Stuttgart (GER), which will light up the Porsche Arena this September. "Qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games" is not an official slogan, though it might as well be.

Along with the ubiquitous World titles, Rio Olympic qualification berths are the big prizes up for grabs to the 500-plus gymnasts registered to compete at the event. Individuals who finish in the top 15 in the All-around final will earn their national federations the right to send a gymnast to the Rio Games.

The same goes for the top-eight Groups, while a select number of Olympic non-qualifiers at the World Championships will advance to the Rio Test event at the Olympic venue in April 2016 for a second chance to qualify.

Going into the Worlds, 17-year-old Yana Kudryavtseva (RUS) has established herself as the dominant gymnast of her generation, winning the past two World titles with elegance and ease. But even Kudryavtseva knows that in Russia, "the bench for reserves is wide," as she has remarked.

Led by 2010 Youth Olympic bronze medalist Jana Berezko-Marggrander and a Group eager to qualify for the Rio Olympics, the host country's top Rhythmic gymnasts are also readying for the Stuttgart showdown. "For us as Germany’s Rhythmic Gymnastics national team, this is a huge thing," said gymnast Laura Jung. "We are very motivated and hope for the support of many fans."