China Ends USA’s Seven-Time World Gymnastics Winning Streak, Wins Women’s Team Gold

China produced a stunning performance on the balance beam to dethrone the United States and win women’s team gold at the 2026 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands, ending America’s run of seven consecutive world titles.

China scored 165.764 points, narrowly beating the USA’s 165.531, a difference of just 0.233 points in Wednesday’s tense final. Japan claimed bronze, its first women’s team podium finish at the world championships in 60 years, while France finished fourth.

The victory marked China’s first women’s team world championship gold since 2006 and its first major international team title since the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Americans appeared firmly in control after two rotations, building a lead of nearly two points through strong performances on vault and uneven bars. However, China turned the contest around on the balance beam, where Qinqin Ke and Zhang Qingying delivered outstanding routines. Zhang scored 15.066, the highest individual score on any apparatus during the final.

A fall by American gymnast Dulcy Caylor on her dismount widened China’s advantage heading into the final rotation. Although Caylor, Claire Pease and Reese Esponda mounted a determined challenge on floor exercise, China held its nerve and avoided costly mistakes.

When Qiu Qiyuan received 12.833 points, China’s victory was confirmed, triggering celebrations among the team.

The US squad featured largely younger gymnasts, with 2024 Olympic gold medallist Hezly Rivera withdrawing because of a lingering ankle injury. Russia finished sixth after a difficult start, with several experienced gymnasts, including Angelina Melnikova, absent after being denied visas by the Netherlands.

China’s triumph raises the stakes ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. American stars Suni Lee and Jade Carey are targeting the Games, while Simone Biles, the 2016 and 2024 Olympic all-around champion, has yet to decide whether she will compete.