Vote for your favourite gymnasts of 2024!

European Gymnastics proudly launches the fifth edition of its ‘Gymnast of the Year’ election! You can vote for your 2024 favourites via the links on our website.

For this edition, our Executive Committee chose the following 5 categories: Male, Female, Team, Outstanding Performance and Coach.

Nominations for the long list were made by our Technical Committees, Authorities, staff, and the 50 European member Federations. A selection committee featuring European Gymnastics Vice-President Michel Boutard, Executive Committee members Paolo Frising, Natalja Inno and Solveig Jonsdottir, General Director Lisa Worthmann and Head of Media Tina Gerets, had the difficult task to choose 5 nominees in each category.

The nominees are listed alphabetically by surname (Male, Female and Coach) or country (Team and Outstanding Performance). 

Discover the nominees!

 

Male Gymnast of the Year - Nominees

Marios Georgiou (CYP) – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

Putting all his efforts into securing that last Olympic qualifying ticket at the European Championships in Rimini, Marios Georgiou went even further: he became the first Cypriot gymnast to clinch the European all-around title! He added three more medals that week: silver on parallel bars and bronze on pommel horse and horizontal bar. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games marked his three Olympic Games, again a first for a Cypriot gymnast, and he also became the first to reach an individual final, securing the sixth place on horizontal bar. He is a true inspiration for young athletes!

 

Harry Hepworth (GBR) – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

Winning silver with his team at the European Championships in April, Harry Hepworth’s rise to the top has been dramatic. Making the British Olympic team at the age of just 20, Hepworth excelled in Paris by qualifying for two individual apparatus finals. This culminated in him winning Britain’s first ever Olympic medal on vault whilst also being the first British gymnast to make an Olympic rings final.

 

Magnus Lindholmer (DEN) – Tumbling

Magnus Lindholmer had a fabulous year, winning the Danish and European Championships in Tumbling. Aside from his competition success, Lindholmer is known for his dedication to perfecting his craft and is a true team player. His focus on nutrition, physical preparation, the sport itself and, even more importantly, the level of understanding for the strategic elements of the sport. He is the type of gymnast, where you as a coach really want to sit down and involve him in the decision process, because he brings so much insight to the table and has reflected and prepared beforehand.

 

Ivan Litvinovich (AIN) – Trampoline Gymnastics

Set to compete at the Paris Olympics as the defending Champion from Tokyo, Ivan Litvinovich showed his trademark exquisite form and daring difficulty to score 63.090, comfortably holding off his Chinese rivals. Another Olympic gold medal for Litvinovich, thus becoming the first male trampolinist to win two consecutive Olympic titles.

 

Rhys McClenaghan (IRL) – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

What a year it has been for Ireland’s Rhys McClenaghan! At the European Championships in Rimini, McClenaghan secured his third European title on pommel horse, joining the likes of legendary gymnasts such as Zoltán Magyar and Marius Urzică. In Paris, McClenaghan performed the routine of a lifetime, clinching the Olympic title on pommel horse, Ireland’s first-ever medal in gymnastics. This remarkable feat also means Rhys now simultaneously holds the Olympic, World and European title on this apparatus!

 

Vote here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QMO459ZMT

 

 

Female Gymnast of the Year - Nominees

Alice D’Amato (ITA) – Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

2024 was a golden year for Alice D’Amato. At the European Championships on home soil in Rimini, D’Amato clinched 2 gold medals – on uneven bars and with her team – and the silver in the all-around. In Paris, D’Amato and her teammates gave it their all, securing the silver medal in the team final. After finishing fourth in the all-around, D’Amato wrote history for the Italian Artistic Gymnastics community by winning their first Olympic gold medal, on balance beam.  

 

Valentina Georgieva (BUL) – Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

Not even two years after a serious knee injury that required major surgery, Valentina Georgieva excelled in 2024. At the Europeans in Rimini, she vaulted to silver, the first Bulgarian medal on this apparatus since 1989. At the Olympics, she qualified to the vault final, on her 18^th birthday. In the final, she was the only European gymnast, and she finished 5^th. Valentina Georgieva subsequently received many honours: the President of the Republic of Bulgaria bestowed upon her a plaque for her outstanding achievements, and she was chosen as Bulgaria's ‘Best Young Athlete’ by the sports journalists of Bulgaria, and won two Sports Icarus Awards: ‘Breakthrough in World Sport’ and ‘Most Talented Athlete of Bulgaria’.

 

Filipa Martins (POR) – Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

By far the most successful Portuguese women’s artistic gymnast, Filipa Martins won the 2024 SmartScoring Shooting Star award in Rimini, for her dedication to the sport and her influence on young gymnasts in her country. She represented Portugal for the third time at the Paris Olympics this summer, earning her best result yet as she qualified for the all-around final where she finished 20^th.

 

Bryony Page (GBR) – Trampoline Gymnastics

Truly unbeatable across 2024, Bryony Page secured two European titles in Guimaraes: individual and synchro with Izzy Songhurst. Going into the Olympics as the 2016 silver and 2020 bronze medallist, Page outperformed her competitors winning the gold. A full set of Olympic medals is now hers! She now is the reigning British, European, World and Olympic Champion. Doing this all when she is in her 30’s shows the long-term benefits to trampoline gymnastics and sets an example to all gymnasts that you can continue to compete at the highest level for as long as you want. Page is recognised as one of Great Britain’s greatest ever athletes, known not only for her sporting achievements but also the incredible positive impact she has on the wider community.

 

Darja Varfolomeev (GER) – Rhythmic Gymnastics

Quintuple World Champion in Rhythmic Gymnastics, Darja Varfolomeev showed the world her worth once again in 2024. She started with a bronze medal in the all-around and gold with ribbon at the European Championships in Budapest, gearing up for the pinnacle of sports in the summer. At the Olympics, Varfolomeev cruised through the competition, acing all her routines to gracefully clinch the first Olympic title in Rhythmic Gymnastics for Germany.

 

Vote here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QEO9S1S6P

 

 

Team of the Year - Nominees

Silke Macharis & Maysae Bouhouch (BEL) – Acrobatic Gymnastics

With their boundless dedication, exceptional talent and unbreakable team spirit, women’s pair Silke Macharis and Maysae Bouhouch dominated the Acrobatic World Championships in the Portuguese city of Guimaraes. The Belgians earned not one, not two, but all three available World titles. On top of that, they secured their ticket for the 2025 World Games.

 

Senior Men’s Team (DEN) – TeamGym

At the European Championships in TeamGym, the Danish senior men’s team delivered an outstanding performance, claiming victory with a significant margin. This solidified their reputation as one of the most dominant teams in the sport, remaining undefeated in all their appearances over the years: 7 out of 7 championship titles (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2024). This showcases unparalleled consistency and excellence. Their routines featured unprecedented difficulty that set a new standard. This team's dedication, discipline, and ability to push the boundaries of gymnastics make them a true inspiration.

 

France – Trampoline Gymnastics

At the end of the 2024 season, the French men’s Team in Trampoline, featuring Allan Morante, Julien Chartier, Pierre Gouzou and Morgan Demiro O Domiro, won all the titles on the international scene. As the reigning World Champions, they successfully defended their European title at the Championships in Guimaraes, continuing to hold the top honours.

 

Senior Women’s Team (ISL) – TeamGym

The Icelandic women’s team exemplified what it means to work together in TeamGym, demonstrating impeccable team cohesion throughout the European Championships. Their dedication to each other and their craft was evident on every apparatus. The artistry displayed in their floor exercise was nothing short of breathtaking, captivating both judges and audiences alike. Their journey to the title was marked by countless hours of practice, unwavering commitment, and a collective passion for the sport. Each team member brought her own strength, harmonising seamlessly to create routines that told a story of resilience and teamwork. In winning the European Championships, they not only brought home a title but also inspired countless athletes and fans across Iceland and beyond.

 

Italy – Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

Italy’s women’s team went from one high to another. First, they won the European team title I dramatic fashion, as Asia D’Amato watched injured from the sidelines. Then, Alice D’Amato, Giorgia Villa, Elisa Iorio, Manila Esposito, and Angela Andreoli made history in Italy’s artistic gymnastics history, clinching the silver medal, a whopping 96 years after the country’s last Olympic medal.

 

Vote here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/Q1AGL1JQ3

 

 

Outstanding Performance - Nominees

France – Rhythmic Gymnastics

For the first time in 24 years, the French Rhythmic managed to qualify for the Olympic Games. In front of a sold-out home crowd Manelle Inaho, Lozéa Vilarino, Justine Lavit, Aïnhoa Dot-Espinosa and Célia Joseph-Noël poured their heart and soul into their routines, posting the 3^rd highest score for their 5 hoops routine in qualifications. Advancing to the final, for only the second time in their history, the Tricolores finished 6^th, delighting the audience with their elegance, the quality of their programme, and their choreographies highlighting French heritage and culture.

 

Julia Weissenhofer (LIE) – Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

Liechtenstein’s Julia Weissenhofer impresses with her passion, tireless dedication, and determination. She embodies discipline and excellence at the highest level. In her first year at the elite level, she qualified for the European Championships in Rimini. In doing so, she once again made gymnastics history: no woman from Liechtenstein had competed internationally in gymnastics before. At the World Cup in Osijek, during her first participation, she qualified for the vault final, where she finished in an excellent 8th place. Through her achievements and personality, she has helped make artistic gymnastics more accessible to a broader public in Liechtenstein. She is also a great role model for the young gymnastics community in Liechtenstein.

 

Veterans (NOR) – Gymnastics for All

The history behind the establishment of the Norwegian Gymnastics ‘Veterans’ dates back to 1919 when experienced gymnasts wanted to show what gymnastics had done for their wellbeing and health, and show younger gymnasts the benefits of gymnastics and inspire them to keep doing it. Those values plus the freshening up old routines, learning new ones and the social aspect made it a success. These values have been followed over 100 years and stand the test of time. The Norwegian federation is very proud of this group, which has a long history of representing Norway in national and international events.

 

Rui Cansado (POR) – Aerobic Gymnastics

A seasoned competitor in Aerobic Gymnastics, Rui Cansado won the bronze medal at the World Cup in Cantanhede for the third year in a row. Known for his exquisite style, Cansado start taking ballet classes, deciding to make his own mark on the aerobics community by performing with a completely different and unique flair.

 

Top Acro Gym (POR) – Gymnastics for All

Year after year, Top Acro Gym seeks to develop an own identity, having already established some brand elements like the ‘human wave’. At the 2024 edition of the European Gym for Life Challenge, they received the Gold Award plus the special ‘Wow Factor’ prize. All that despite a rocky road to Bodo: 39 members of the group fell victim to a scam, paying for fake airline tickets. Heaven and earth were moved, involving lengthy flight plans, but luckily the group managed to arrive in Bodo in the early hours of the competition day and showcase their usual high quality. Resilience and unity prevailed among the group, the club, and all the parents!

 

Vote here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QYFDVFKHM

 

Coach of the Year - Nominees

Enrico Casella (ITA) – Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

Head coach of the Italian women's artistic team, Enrico Casella led the gymnasts to an incredible performance on home soil at the European Championships in Rimini, followed by an unprecedented three medals at the Olympic Games in Paris. His success was supported by assistant coaches Monica Bergamelli and Marco Campodonico.

 

Iryna Gorbacheva (UKR) – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

Guiding her prodigy Illia Kovtun to 2 individual European titles, and assisting the Ukrainian team on their way to their second European team title, Iryna Gorbacheva has made a big name for herself. One of the few women coaching at the international elite level in men’s artistic gymnastics, Gorbacheva shows her passion on and off the competition floor.

 

Laurent Guelzec (SUI) – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

As the Head coach of the Swiss men’s artistic team, Laurent Guelzec formed the base for the outstanding results achieved at the European Championships in Rimini and the Olympic Games in Paris. His experience is essential in the successful transitioning from the junior to the senior level.

 

Pablo Hinojar (ESP) – DMT, Tumbling and Acrobatic Gymnastics

Head coach in three different disciplines - DMT, Tumbling and Acrobatic Gymnastics – Pablo Hinojar was a hugely influential force in Spain. As personal coach of Melania Rodriguez, he challenged her to push the boundaries. Sadly, Pablo unexpectedly passed away in October 2024. He was a grand figure in our community for several years and a dear friend to many.

 

Volha Ulasava (AIN) – Trampoline Gymnastics

Volha Ulasava coached both Ivan Litvinovich and Viyaleta Bardzilouskaya to Olympic medals in 2024. Moreover, it was the 3rd consecutive Olympic title won by one of her gymnasts. What an unique achievement!

 

Vote here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QHUD7FFQX

 

Start voting now! You have until Wednesday 26 February 2025 at 12 noon CET!

On our social media channels, a general introduction of all nominees will be launched today Friday 21 February 2025. The nominees in the categories ‘Male Gymnast of the Year’ and ‘Female Gymnast of the Year’ will be highlighted later today. Tomorrow, Saturday 22 February 2025, the honour goes to the nominees in the categories ‘Team of the Year’, ‘Outstanding Performance’ and ‘Coach of the Year’.  

The nominee with the highest amount of votes wins the title. This comes with a € 2000 cheque per category, a certificate, a trophy, and -of course- eternal glory!