Elite summer is officially here and GymCastic is breaking down the state of the art in gymnastics heading into the 2026 season. We discuss Simone Biles revealing she “almost died,” Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos’ emotional return to competition in France, and the gymnasts currently setting the global standard on vault, bars, beam and floor. From Kaylia Nemour’s historic bars work to Hezly Rivera leading the all-around rankings, we analyze what it actually takes to contend for World medals in 2026. Plus: French Nationals artistry deductions, NCAA news, and the latest gymternet controversies.
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SHOW NOTES
Simone Biles shared that she “almost died” in what she called one of the scariest experiences of her life.
Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos returned to exhibition competition at French Nationals for the first time since the Paris Olympics, performing floor and discussing her recovery and renewal in Martinique.
French Nationals introduced separately listed artistry deductions in live scoring — the future is now.
Elena Colas won the French all-around title with a 54.250 and continues her rapid rise as one of the top new seniors in the world.
We break down the current world leaders on every apparatus and discuss:
• Why Kaylia Nemour is redefining bars
• Why Hezly Rivera is currently the all-around world leader
• What makes beam composition “state of the art”
• Why vault scoring may be changing
• What separates a 14 floor routine from a 13 in 2026
GYMTERNET NEWS
• Utah gymnastics Ghana trip controversy discussion
• NCAA age-rule proposal update
• New proposed NIL restrictions in Congress
• Texas abortion laws and athlete healthcare concerns
• Sam Oldham’s charity comeback routine
• Jackson Harrison Achilles injury
• Emma Slevin transfers to Arkansas
• Coaching updates across NCAA
• Gymnastics Australia concussion investigation
CHAPTERS
00:00 Simone Biles’ scary health news
01:21 Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos returns at French Nationals
08:30 French Nationals artistry deductions revolution
09:25 Elena Colas wins French Nationals
17:02 Elite Summer 2026 begins
18:08 All-Around World Leaders: Hezly Rivera vs Kaylia Nemour
27:12 Vault world leaders and why vaulting has changed
35:30 Bars: Why Kaylia Nemour is redefining gymnastics
49:05 Beam world leaders and Chinese beam excellence
1:02:02 Floor exercise: what makes a 14 in 2026?
1:10:18 Gymternet News
1:16:04 NCAA age rule proposal explained
1:19:08 New NIL bill and athlete pay debate
1:21:29 Texas abortion laws and athlete safety concerns
1:23:00 Sam Oldham’s charity comeback routine
1:24:01 Jackson Harrison injury and Emma Slevin transfer
1:24:33 NCAA rules and laws limiting athlete income
1:25:58 Australia concussion investigation
UP NEXT
- Behind The Scenes Fridays at noon Pacific
RELATED LINKS
Melanie interview with L’Equipe:
https://www.lequipe.fr/Gymnastique/Actualites/Melanie-de-jesus-dos-santos-apres-son-retour-pour-les-championnats-de-france-ca-m-a-fait-du-bien-de-retrouver-une-ambiance-de-competition/1682488
Utah Ghana trip discussion:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZC9vLjG-VZ/
Texas abortion reporting:
https://www.propublica.org/article/texas-abortion-ban-miscarriage-blood-transfusions
Sam Oldham fundraiser:
https://givewheel.com/fundraising/17055/gymnastics-challenge-uk/
Jackson Harrison injury post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZOJ8bpmoEH/
Emma Slevin to Arkansas:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DZIrklxDHhS/
Gymnastics Australia concussion investigation:
https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/gymnastics-australia-announces-independent-investigation-into-concussion-protocols-for-elite-trampolining
Cover art photograph © GymCastic / Steve Cooper. All rights reserved.
