Bonn: Germany’s Darja Varfolomeev confirmed her dominance in rhythmic gymnastics at the 41st World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, winning the all-around title and three apparatus gold medals.
The 18-year-old secured victories in ball, clubs, and ribbon, while finishing fifth in hoop, preventing her from repeating the historic clean sweep she achieved in 2023. Her all-around total of 121.900 points placed her well ahead of Bulgaria’s Stiliana Nikolova (119.300) and Italy’s Sofia Raffaeli (117.950).
Varfolomeev, the reigning Olympic champion, has now established herself as the undisputed leader of the sport. In Rio, she became the first German rhythmic gymnast to defend a world all-around title, adding to her remarkable record, which includes five world golds in 2023 and an Olympic gold in Paris last year.
The ribbon podium was completed by Nikolova with silver and Ukraine’s Taisiia Onofriichuk with bronze.
With her victory in Brazil, Varfolomeev continues to set new milestones for German gymnastics, reinforcing her reputation as the sport’s new queen.