Teen gymnast dies after foam pit accident in Russia

A 19-year-old Indonesian gymnast has died after a training accident in Russia, according to the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation.

Naufal Takdir Al Bari passed away after receiving 12 days of intensive care at a hospital in Penza. Reports from Russia indicated he sustained a severe neck injury after falling into a foam pit during a horizontal bar routine.

The federation described Naufal as a talented gymnast who was being prepared to compete in the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2025, the 2025 SEA Games Bangkok, and was projected to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Vasily Titov, Vice President of the Russian Gymnastics Federation, stated that an investigation found the athlete was not prepared to perform such a complex element when the injury occurred.

The Russian federation has offered assistance with the repatriation of the body.