South African Gymnasts Make Their Mark at Down Syndrome World Championships

Photo Credit: Gymnastics South Africa (Facebook)

Charles Phillips reached four apparatus finals, while Madisson Holmes claimed two bronze medals and Victoria Giuricich secured a rhythmic gymnastics final at the 2026 Down Syndrome World Championships.

Bulgaria, Balkans (22 June 2026) – Not every championship journey begins perfectly. For South Africa’s Madisson Holmes, an early setback became the spark for an impressive comeback as she bounced back to win two bronze medals at the 2026 Down Syndrome World Championships in Bulgaria.

Holmes was one of three South African gymnasts representing the country at the championships, alongside Charles Phillips and Victoria Giuricich. Competing under the banner of the Bauhaus 2026 Down Syndrome World Championships, the trio helped South Africa make its mark against athletes from around the world.

After marching proudly in the opening ceremony, the South Africans quickly got down to business.

Phillips was first to make his mark, qualifying fourth in the vault competition and laying the foundation for a strong championship. He would go on to qualify for four finals in the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics competition, including the parallel bars final, where he produced an impressive execution score of 9.1.

Although he ultimately finished behind younger competitors from Italy, Norway and Australia, his consistency across four apparatus finals highlighted the progress he has made on the international stage.

Giuricich also enjoyed a successful campaign, earning a place in a final in the highly competitive Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics division.

Reflecting on the team’s performance, coach Allan Chadwick praised both the athletes and the event itself.

“The Bulgarian organisers put on one of the biggest Down Syndrome World Championships we’ve seen to date, and the venue and facilities were absolutely first class. To see Maddison fight back from a shaky day two to win two bronze medals, and Charles hold his own across four finals against some of the strongest fields we’ve faced, was incredibly special. We made wonderful friends from all over the world, even with the language barriers, and we leave Bulgaria with a lot to build on.”

The standout performance, however, came from Holmes. This was her first time on an international stage. She did face a setback, but that did not stop her campaign.

Holmes qualified for all four finals in the Junior Women’s Artistic Gymnastics competition and delivered her strongest performances when it mattered most, securing bronze medals on both the balance beam and floor exercise.

With the championships now complete, attention turns to the next major international challenge: the 2028 Trisome Games in Mexico.