What is the FIG?
The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique is the world governing body of gymnastics — founded in Liège in 1881, the oldest international sports federation of all, headquartered in Lausanne with 150+ member federations.[1] [2]
What does the FIG govern?
The Code of Points in every discipline; athlete licensing; the World Championships in artistic, rhythmic, trampoline, acrobatic, aerobic and parkour gymnastics; the World Cup circuits; and Olympic gymnastics with the IOC — plus judges' certification and the element registry that names new skills.[2] [3]
Who leads it?
President Morinari Watanabe of Japan, in office since 2017 — also an IOC member — steering the federation through the sport's safeguarding reforms and its expanding discipline portfolio.[2]
Why does the FIG matter?
Every score, licence, named element and championship medal in world gymnastics is FIG-certified — the sport's complete official record since the 19th century.[1] [2]
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Gymnastics (governance). Accessed August 2026.
- FIG — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- FIG — rules & Code of Points. Accessed August 2026.