Expending EUR 2000 for a World Cup: The Financial Burden Bearing on a Non-Olympic Competitor
Young German Trampoline Gymnast Aims High for the World Games
Anastasia Heinrich, a 20-year-old trampoline gymnast from Hamburg, is gearing up for her next big competition at the World Games in Chengdu, China, scheduled for August. The event, set for 2029, is expected to feature high-flying events, possibly including trampoline gymnastics.
Heinrich, who has been a trampoline gymnast for 13 years, specializes in the mini double discipline, a non-Olympic trampoline gymnastics category. She will represent Germany in the upcoming World Games, a significant achievement for the young athlete.
Despite the excitement, Heinrich faces financial challenges common to non-Olympic sports athletes. The cost of international trampoline gymnastics competitions is a significant hurdle for her, with expenses for each tournament ranging from 1000 to 2000 euros. She funds these expenses herself, as she competes in European and World Championships.
However, Heinrich's employer supports her trampoline gymnastics training, and her mother, a gymnastics trainer, has been a source of encouragement. Her primary goal for the World Games is to reach the first final round.
Heinrich's ambition extends beyond her current competition. She hopes for the discipline of trampoline gymnastics to become Olympic, as it would provide better funding. This would alleviate some of the financial burdens that she and other trampoline gymnasts face, such as costs for training and equipment, limited prize money and sponsorship opportunities, and the need to balance training with other income-generating activities.
Despite these challenges, Heinrich remains focused on her training. She trains five to six times a week and credits her brother for introducing her to trampoline gymnastics. As for her long-term plans, Heinrich does not disclose them, choosing to focus on completing her training as a veterinary medical assistant before setting her sights on her future in trampoline gymnastics.
In the meantime, Heinrich's trip to the World Games is funded, including outfit, accommodation, and travel expenses. This support allows her to concentrate on her performance, and she looks forward to the challenges and opportunities that the World Games in Chengdu, China, will bring.
Sports are a significant part of Anastasia Heinrich's life, as she is a 20-year-old trampoline gymnast preparing for the World Games in Chengdu, China. Reflecting the anticipation of high-flying events at the World Games, she aims to reach the first final round in her trampoline gymnastics competition.
