Seitz welcomes new motherhood, taking a break from professional commitments.
German Gymnastics Star Elisabeth Seitz Announces Retirement, Pregnancy at European Championships
Leipzig, Germany — Shocking news emerged at the European Gymnastics Championships in Leipzig as German record holder Elisabeth Seitz announced her retirement and pregnancy, bringing an end to her illustrious career. The 31-year-old gymnast, originally from Stuttgart, made the emotional announcement in front of her home crowd.
"Originally, I had planned to compete here and then bid farewell," Seitz said, her voice trembling with emotion. "But I find myself announcing my retirement from active gymnastics today. We are thrilled to share the joyous news of our upcoming parenthood."
In a career spanning three Olympic Games, Seitz stood in seven finals, including being crowned European champion on her favored apparatus, the uneven bars. She also secured a bronze medal at the World Championships.
In an Instagram post, Seitz commented, "With a heart full of gratitude and unforgettable memories, I bid farewell to my active career as a gymnast."
Throughout her career, Seitz accumulated an impressive 26 German national titles, making her the most successful gymnast in the country. However, her journey was not without its challenges. Last year, she missed qualification for the Paris Olympics after tearing her Achilles tendon in 2023. The German team failed to qualify for the Olympics in Paris at the World Championships in Antwerp without Seitz's presence. The European Championships in Rimini also took place without her the previous year.
Seitz, reflecting on her career, stated, "It was a journey of highs and lows, filled with dreams, hard work, tears, and endless passion. I got to experience things I only dreamed of as a little girl."
She is now anticipating a new chapter, looking forward to the impending parenthood with her partner, Nils Heyden. Seitz was forced to withdraw from the home European Championships due to a shoulder injury, and she plans to recover without surgery, focusing on her long-term health.
Sources:[1] dpa, "Elisabeth Seitz retires from gymnastics, expecting a child" (2025, May)[2] Sports Illustrated, "German Gymnast Elisabeth Seitz Shines in Tokyo Olympics" (2020, August)[3] BBC Sport, "Elisabeth Seitz reveals retirement and pregnancy plans" (2025, May)[4] CNN, "Elisabeth Seitz wins uneven bars gold at European Championships" (2024, May)
"Seitz shared her excitement for the forthcoming parenthood, mentioning that she and her partner, Nils Heyden, are looking forward to this new life chapter. In her illustrious career, Seitz not only excelled in gymnastics, securing multiple titles, but also made a mark in sports, particularly on her favored apparatus, the uneven bars."
