The Pan American Gymnastics Union (UPAG) confirmed that the 2028 Pan American Senior Championships, to be held in Brazil, will serve as the continental qualifying event for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The decision was adopted by a unanimous vote at the General Assembly held in Rio de Janeiro. This marks a significant change in the qualification system, as the Pan American Championships will now serve as qualifiers for the Olympic Games.
UPAG President Kenia Herrera explained that the measure was adopted following a thorough technical and athletic analysis aimed at ensuring a fairer qualification process, strengthening athlete development, and increasing opportunities for the continent to be represented at the Olympic Games.
Among the main arguments put forward by the continental body is the significant time gap between the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima and the 2028 Pan American Games in Los Angeles—a period of more than a year—which could affect the competitiveness and current athletic form of the qualified athletes.
The organization believes that moving the continental qualification to the 2028 Pan American Championships will allow the most competitive federations to first seek qualification through World Championships and World Cups. This would give other nations a better chance of securing additional Olympic spots through the continental event.
This strategy will help increase the representation of the Americas at Los Angeles 2028, while also strengthening the Pan American Championships as one of the most important events on the international gymnastics calendar.
