Highlights of the 2023 European Age Group competitions

For the 12^th edition of the European Age Group Competitions in Acrobatic Gymnastics, gymnasts performing in the 11 – 16 and the 12 – 18 age group categories travelled to the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.  Varna’s Palace of Culture and Sports welcomed over 300 gymnasts from 22 countries during 4 days of exciting competitions. Unfortunately, the Israeli delegation had to withdrew last-minute due to the attacks on their country.

Here are our 6 highlights, in no particular order!

Hopp Schwiiz

Never before had a Swiss pair made the finals so Elin Fischler and Mattia Sciara decided to enjoy every single second. Performing a marvellous dynamic routine to the delight of their coaches, friends and family in the venue, for a score of 26.050. They narrowly overtook Belgian duo Kobe Mertens and Milla-Julie Sem, by just 0.050, to clinch the silver medal. The first ever medal for Switzerland at the European Age Group Competitions!

Bulgarian beats

The hopes of the host nation rested on the young shoulders of Hristiyana Yulieva and Sofia Hristova. The Bulgarian duo delivered a quirky routine to traditional music that earned the highest artistry and execution scores of the 11 – 16 women’s pair final. They totalled 27.900 for the win … with the highest score of that day!

The winner takes it all

A meaningful music choice by team GB as Great Britain claimed 5 European crowns on the last day of finals. Not a bad day in the office at all! Gold for the 11 – 16 Women’s Groups Gemma Bidle, Alexis Biddle and Sophie Noyce, the 12 – 18 Men’s Group Samuel Lewis, Jackson Birch, Alexander Lofnes and Christoph Tilroe, Mixed Pair Emily Eales and Harry Norman, Women’s Pair Keira Redford and Jessica Hodgson and Women’s Group Dollie Holt, Isabel Norfolk and Olivia Norfolk. A great birthday present for Isabel as she celebrated her sweet 16 on this day.

Poised for perfection

The mighty ACRO nation Portugal earned top honours three times as their men’s pair Guilherme Silva and Salvador Oliveira aced their balance routine and mixed pair Martim Rego and Beatriz Gomes excelled with their dynamic performance. In a nail-biting 12 – 18 men’s pairs final, Guilherme Matos and Fabio Beco overtook Ukraine’s Artem Shapoval and Hlib Honcharuk and Belgium’s Karsten Buyse and Emiel Hebbrecht by just 0.010 to take the third title.

Ukrainian resilience

More than 600 days into the invasion of their country, Ukrainian gymnasts have suffered through power cuts, attacks and alarms. Yet, they continue to train in full force. Their resilience on display in Varna, the Ukrainian delegation returned home with 2 silver and 2 bronze medals, showing the world their strength and dedication.

Entertainment for all

Due to the limited participation number, the men’s groups final in 11 – 16 was conducted out of competition. Globally appreciated, the entertainment value of this category leaves people in awe. The boys of Greece and Bulgaria did their utmost to live up to the expectations and they managed to exceed them. A wonderful display by talented gymnasts. We hope to see more of them in the future!

A big Thank You goes to the Bulgarian Federation of Sports Acrobatics, led by Nedko Kostadinov, for the wonderful organisation! The variety of countries contesting these finals and winning medals proved the abundance of talent on display, which is what we want to witness in the Age Group Competitions! A huge shoutout goes to all participants: you’ve created a wonderful show for all to see!