16 year-old rhythmic gymnast Rin Keys' dominating performance at Worlds is showing the world that age is just a number and young women athletes can do anything with hard work and determination.

Breaking Down the Sport

Keys has established herself as one of the youngest women competing at the highest level in rhythmic gymnastics and she’s bringing more VISibility to a sport that’s often overlooked. For those that are unfamiliar with what rhythmic gymnastics entails, here’s the reader's digest version.

Rhythmic gymnastics started in the early 19th century, where it quickly began to expand into a sport that mixes both gymnastics and traditional dance. Today, it's recognized as a women-only sport. 

When competing individually, it is required that athletes use a type of apparatus each time they perform: hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon, or rope. This is what makes rhythmic gymnastics different from regular gymnastics. The intricate combination of dance and gymnastics challenges the physical strength and coordination of each routine.

As Patorelli Sport explains, rhythmic gymnastics “is practiced internationally by gymnasts of all ages and is one of the most popular women’s sports worldwide.”

“If you’re not strict, you can't really get anywhere. It is good discipline.”

Rin Keys

Rising Star

Keys was born in Tokyo, Japan, but when she turned six, her family was uprooted from Tokyo to Los Angeles, CA, where she started training at the Burlo Gymnastics Club. The Burlo Gymnastics Club is known for developing elite gymnasts, teaching the art of discipline, and having experienced coaches. At this club, Keys learned discipline. Now, she says, “If you’re not strict, you can't really get anywhere. It is good discipline.” 

Outside of competitions, Keys enjoys spending her free time knitting, watching TV, playing outdoors, and dancing, which she says “helps me to move and get a fun exercise in.” 

Key aspires to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and compete near her family and home gym. 

Making History at Worlds 

Keys has steadily climbed the national rankings in her performances at junior and national-level competitions. Her experience becoming a high-level gymnast at a young age  has prepared her for her most recent competition in the 2025 Senior World Championships. 

Finishing seventh overall with a tally of 112.650 points in all categories, Keys made history for the United States with the highest all-around finish since 2017. She was the strongest in the hoop category, scoring a 29.100 and demonstrating exceptional control and precision. 

After qualifying for the finals from her impeccable performance from the days prior in ball, hoop, and ribbon, Keys made history on Sunday, August 24th. She received a silver medal on ball finishing with a score of 29.050, becoming the first American ever to medal at a Senior Rhythmic World Championship. 

“Her performance Sunday placed her second behind 2024 Olympic all-around champion and 16-time World medalist Darja Varfolomeev of Germany, who won with a 29.850. Italy’s Sofia Raffaeli, a 15-time World medalist and the 2024 Olympic all-around bronze medalist, picked up bronze with a 28.750,” USA Gymnastics reports.

This marks a huge milestone for the U.S. Rhythmic Gymnastics. Keys is not just collecting medals and setting records, but is also bringing VISibility to a women-only sport we don’t often hear much about.