Elite Artistic Gymnastics Arrives in Varna for European Championships

With just eight days until the start, the participants for the 2026 European Gymnastics Championships in the Bulgarian seaside city of Varna are now clear. Host nation Bulgaria's hopes rest on the shoulders of stars Stiliana Nikolova and Eva Bresalieva, while fans eagerly anticipate their clash with reigning European champion Taissia Onofriychuk (Ukraine), Olympic and world champion Daria Voronina (Germany), and Italian star Sofia Rafaele. Joining them is Tara Dragash (Italy), the Romanian duo Amalia Lica and Andrea Verdes, Fani Pigntzki (Hungary), Daniele Muniz and Alona Tal Franco (Israel), Liliana Levin (Poland), Hatice Gökte Emir (Turkey), and Aлина Харнаско (Belarus), alongside Russians Maria Borisova, Sofia Ilteryakova, and Arina Kovshova.

Bulgaria's team in Varna blends class, experience, and fresh energy. In the women's individual all-around, the country will be represented by Stiliana Nikolova and Eva Bresalieva, two names already dictating the pace of the global scene and carrying the ambition to perform strongly in front of the home crowd. For the women's team competition, Bulgaria fields Sofia Ivanova, Raya Bozhilova, Magdalina Minevska, Margarita Vasileva, Magdalena Volkova, and Emilija Obretenova, an ensemble with the potential to be a medal contender. In the women's individual events, Siyana Alekova (hoop), Dea Emilova (ribbon and clubs), and Aleksandra Petrova (ball) will defend Bulgarian colors, carrying the confidence of a new generation making its mark on the international stage.

The event includes women's individual, team, and individual events for women. In total, 43 countries will be represented by 372 gymnasts: 260 women, including 26 teams and 112 girls. Bulgaria will also have its presence on the judging panels through Filip Filipov and Rada Vrazheva.

Tickets for the competition are still available at https://epaygo.bg/2321183705.