The rhythmic gymnastics world championships opened Wednesday in Frankfurt, with the top three finishers in both the group and individual all-around earning quota spots for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Defending Olympic and 11-time world champion Darja Varfolomeev topped the early individual standings with 58.950 points after two apparatuses, despite having to restart her hoop routine after beginning before the music started.
Japan's "Fairy Japan" group, which won its first-ever team gold at last year's championships, arrived seeking redemption after missing the Paris 2024 team qualification for the first time in 20 years. Captain Kuno Taguchi said the goal is to "secure the quota spot", with the team debuting a ninja-themed ball routine. Japan Gymnastics Association reinforcement director Yukari Murata said the squad must "give everything they have" to claim a place.
Spain's group, which took bronze at last year's worlds in Rio de Janeiro, also targets a podium finish to lock in Los Angeles qualification. The team, which repeated its triple gold at the 2026 European Championships, is led by Olympic veteran Inés Bergua. China, Brazil, and a returning Russia round out the field. Qualifying concludes Thursday night, with the all-around final set for Friday.