In a tough blow to Iowa State gymnastics and its fans, the university has officially canceled the remainder of the 2026 season, citing a lack of available athletes necessary to safely compete.
The Cyclones were 2-8 on the year, with their two wins coming in January - a 193.425-191.900 victory over Illinois State at the Border Battle in Iowa City, and a 192.900-191.800 win over Bridgeport at the New Hampshire Quad Meet. But beyond the scores and standings, this decision was about something far more important: student-athlete health and safety.
“After a careful and thoughtful review of the program over the last week, it became apparent that we do not have enough student-athletes available to safely compete,” said Shamaree Brown, Iowa State’s Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student Services, in a statement. “The health, safety and overall welfare of our student-athletes is paramount.”
That’s the heart of the matter. Gymnastics is a sport that demands not only precision and strength, but depth - depth in talent, depth in bodies, and depth in preparation.
When a team is stretched too thin, pushing forward isn’t just risky, it’s potentially dangerous. Iowa State made the call to prioritize athlete welfare, even if it meant bringing a premature end to the season.
The canceled stretch included marquee meets like the annual “Beauty and the Beast” event against Western Michigan, a unique showcase pairing gymnastics and wrestling under the same roof. The Cyclones were also slated to face Arizona State on the road, host Arizona and Iowa in key home meets, and travel to BYU. All of it was building toward the Big 12 Gymnastics Championship, scheduled for March 21 in West Valley City, Utah - a stage every gymnast circles on their calendar.
Now, the focus shifts from competition to care. For the athletes, this pause may be frustrating, but it’s also a reminder of the bigger picture - that their health and long-term development come first. For the program, it’s an opportunity to regroup, reset, and look ahead.
There’s no sugarcoating it: this is a disappointing moment for Iowa State gymnastics. But in a sport where the margin for error is razor-thin, and the physical demands are relentless, stepping back can sometimes be the strongest move a team can make.