Highlights of #TeamGym2021

Supported by an enthusiastic crowd, the spectacular performances at this year’s TeamGym European lit up the Multiusos in Guimaraes! As the sun shone bright in the Portuguese city, it turned out to be one for the history books, witnessed by several historical performances, nations on the podium for the first time and new European Champions!

Here are some of our 9 highlights … in no particular order!

Sweden’s supremacy

Qualifying in first place in all but 1 category, Sweden showed their class in Guimaraes. Traditionally one of the top TeamGym countries, the Swedes started off in a league of their own as they powered to victory in the junior men’s final, almost 5 points ahead of their closest competitors. The victory margin was reduced to just 1 tenth over Iceland in the junior women’s final though. In the senior finals, Sweden had the highest scores on all three apparatus in the mixed teams, cruising to victory. Last but certainly not least, Sweden outclassed everyone, even themselves, with a fabulous performance in the men’s teams final to finish with a massive score of 61.350. This guaranteed them the European title, only their second one after victory back in 1996.

Best of the British

Never having won an official European TeamGym medal before, Great Britain came to Guimaraes on a mission. And they lived up to their date with destiny, winning a grand total of 5 medals and placing second by Sweden in the overall medal table. Silver in the junior men’s teams will go down as their first ever European medal, while just a short time later, the girls and boys of the junior mixed team found themselves on the top step of the podium, for the first time ever! In the senior finals, Great Britain claimed silver in the mixed teams and bronze in the men’s final.

Iceland women’s victory

In the women’s teams final the battle couldn’t be tighter. Sweden and Iceland went head-to-head with the ultimate run determining the final ranking. Iceland needed 17.200 on tumble to equal Sweden’s total score of 57.250. And the Icelandic did exactly that! The two countries’ tied so a tie breaker was needed. As Iceland posted the best scores on floor and trampet, they were awarded the title, last won back in 2012.

Estonia’s revelation

Increasing their level year after year, Estonia impressed in Guimaraes. Competing in the junior men’s team final, they tumbled, vaulted and performed worthy of the bronze medal, winning the country’s first medal in an official TeamGym European Championships.

Piacere Italia

A strong nation in other gymnastics discipline, Italy has discovered TeamGym now too and is passionate about it. The country hadn’t won any medals however before arriving in Guimaraes but they were determined to change that. In the senior mixed final, Italy performed well across all three apparatus, securing the bronze medal, and making its first appearance ever on the podium!

Finland’s podium return

Making their return to the podium, for the first time since 2012, the Finnish women claimed the bronze medal. Their joy infected the whole arena!

Future host’s potential

Participating for the very first time at a TeamGym Europeans, 2022 hosts Luxembourg put together a talented junior women’s team. Much to their delight, the girls aced their qualification round, advancing the final where they once again showed their potential.

Worldwide appreciation

People from all over the world watched this event via our livestream. Not only the performances of the medal winners were highly appreciated: the French women impressed with an excellent floor routine, Azerbaijan’s men tumbled 2 triples, Slovenia entered 3 teams and showed their spark and enthusiasm for TeamGym while Austria, Czech Republic and Germany definitely have the potential to challenge to more traditional TeamGym nations. Hosts Portugal may have missed out on a medal but they won the hearts of the crowd for their fantastic performances and great sportsmanship.

Meet the #TeamGym2021 All Stars Team!

The 6 best female and the 6 best male gymnasts on each apparatus were selected to form the famous TeamGym All Stars team! Congratulations to Asta Kristinsdottir (ISL), Saona Canaud (FRA), Agnes Arvidsson (SWE), Evelina Rosengren (SWE), Kolbrun Tholl Thorradottir (ISL), Nicole Hosseini (SWE), Teddie Ohrslin (SWE), Eetu Lahti (FIN), Connor Wharram (GBR), Helgi Laxdal Adalgeirsson (ISL), Elias Gustafsson (SWE) and Victor Emanuelsson (SWE)!

Fun fact: All Star Nicole Hosseini became the first woman to successfully compete a triple on trampet!

A special shout-out goes to the Portuguese Gymnastics Federation who took over the organisation of this postponed event and did a truly brilliant job! Obrigado Guimaraes, Obrigado Portugal!