Indonesian gymnast, 19, dies after foam-pit accident in Russia

An Indonesian gymnast, 19-year-old Naufal Takdir Al Bari, has died in Penza, Russia, after a foam-pit training accident that left him with a neck injury. The rising athlete had been in intensive care for 12 days at GA Zakharyin Hospital before his death, according to the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation.

Al Bari sustained a severe neck injury when he fell into a foam pit during a routine on the horizontal bar, Russian reporting indicated. He was training to compete at the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, which were set to be held in Indonesia later this year.

The Indonesian Gymnastics Federation issued a statement describing Al Bari as a talented gymnast and noting that his passing is a heavy blow to the sport. The federation quoted its own remarks, saying that the 19-year-old had "breathed his last after undergoing intensive care for 12 days" at GA Zakharyin Hospital and that he was among the nation’s best gymnasts.

Vasily Titov, vice president of the Russian Gymnastics Federation, said the injury occurred during a routine the athlete had not been prepared to perform. "We conducted the necessary investigation, and all the circumstances surrounding the injury have been established. Unfortunately, the athlete was not prepared to perform such a complex element," Titov said. He added that Russia would provide assistance, if necessary, in the shipment and repatriation of the body.

Indonesia’s federation noted that Al Bari was preparing for the 53rd FIG World Championships in Indonesia and had been projected to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as well as competing at the SEA Games Bangkok. The death represents a grave setback for a program that had hoped to raise its presence on the world stage and in the regional competitions this decade.

The case underscores the inherent risks involved in elite gymnastics, where success often hinges on executing highly demanding elements, sometimes in training environments that include foam pits used to practice landings and dismounts. Officials pledged continued cooperation with authorities in Russia and Indonesia as investigations proceed and plans are made for repatriation and memorial arrangements.