Tauranga will become the flexible capital of New Zealand next week, when the country’s top gymnasts compete at Mercury Baypark in the 2026 XP Gymnastics Nationals.

The five-day event from September 29 to October 3 will feature men’s and women’s artistic, rhythmic and trampoline gymnastics, including a double mini discipline, plus aerobics and tumbling.

“Nationals is always a special event for the gymnastics community, and we are excited to be back in Tauranga,” Gymnastics New Zealand interim CEO David Phillips said.

“With all five competitive codes under one roof, Nationals is the pinnacle event of the year for some athletes while being a launching pad to international opportunities for others.”

Abel Standen with coach Riley Maguire and teammate Tyler Becker. Photo / Supplied

For Tauranga residents it’s a chance to see top athletes in action, including Bay of Plenty gymnasts.

One Tauranga athlete to watch is 13-year-old Abel Standen, who is preparing for his first Nationals as a senior.

The Argos Gymnastics member began the sport after spending his toddler years climbing – and occasionally falling off – furniture at home.

Now, 11 years later, he’d competed at four Nationals and is preparing for a new challenge.

After a difficult 2025 season, including two ankle injuries and several bouts of illness, Standen decided during last summer to approach this season differently.

His hard work had paid off. He grabbed a personal-best all-around score at his first competition this year. “The mates and memories I’ve made are what’s kept me in the sport,” he said.

At this year’s Nationals, Standen will compete in the senior format, with an opportunity to qualify for apparatus finals.

His goal? To have a good time and enjoy the experience.

Justin Dougal, who won the senior men’s trampoline title in 1996, 1999 and 2000, with son James Dougal, who won it in 2025.

The Nationals will open with a ceremony at 2pm on September 29, in the AER/RG Arena.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale will officially open the event, with athletes partivipating in a provincial march-on. The Gymnast of the Year and Life Membership Awards will also be presented.

“A number of Commonwealth Games and World Championship representatives will be competing at this year’s XP Nationals and we know they will impress,” Phillips said.

“With our ‘Hero Sessions’ showcasing the best athletes in NZ across all gymnastics codes there is plenty for locals to see.”

Among competitors is defending senior men’s trampoline champion James Dougal, who is working towards a more difficult individual routine while developing a new synchronised trampoline partnership.

James Dougal at the Arosa Trampoline World Cup in Switzerland 2026. Photo / Supplied

He said success is about more than another trophy. “I’d love to be able to compete my harder routine and put down a good score with it,” he said.

Tickets and schedules for the 2026 XP Gymnastics Nationals from September 29-October 3 at Mercury Baypark are available via iTICKET.