Teenage soccer team revels in Europan Championships silver following military takeover, enjoying carbonara pasta feast
In Leipzig, Germania, an unexpected victory graced the European Gymnastics Championships, punctuated by the resilience and talent of a quintet of teenage athletes. Eclipsing the bronze medal earned in Munich the previous year, this young team of gymnasts - Helen Kevric, Karina Schönmaier, Janoah Müller, Silja Stöhr, and Lea Marie Quaas - clinched a captivating silver medal in the team competition.
At an average age of 17.8 years, this promising group of athletes surpassed their fellow compatriots, who had previously attained the first-ever European Championship medal in the women's team all-around. "I am filled with goosebumps, still shaking, and I have this fluttery feeling in my stomach," shared the accomplished Karina Schönmaier following their achievement.
Comparing their recent success to the 2022 championships in Munich, their team captain, Quaas, added, "If you look at Munich, they got the third place. Now we're a very young team and we got the second place. That makes me very proud."
As the celebration ensued, the victorious team indulged in a humble yet hearty meal, sharing a plate of Spaghetti Carbonara with their parents in tow. On the podium, the jubilant gymnasts danced and leaped with pride, as national coach Gerben Wiersma lifted his fist triumphantly. Running a close race, Germany narrowly lost to the reigning champions Italy (161.930 points) and placed ahead of France (156.728 points), much to the surprise of the team members themselves.
"None of us thought we'd be taking home a silver medal," confessed 17-year-old Janoah Müller. Her teammate, Schönmaier, echoed the sentiment, admitting, "I didn't think we'd make it to second place."
Even the composed Kevric, an accomplished gymnast at 17, had her reservations about the prospect of such an upset. "At first, I didn't think we'd be able to do it, but it shows that we can keep up with the best teams," she conceded. Yet, she couldn't forget the turbulence that had unfolded within the gymnastics community, prompted by allegations of abuse at the Stuttgart Artistic Gymnastics Forum. Kevric expressed gratitude for her coaches, even as their relationship had come to an end, and affirmed her continued rise following the harrowing experience.
"I'm sad that it ended this way, so this medal is also for them, because they were behind all the hard work," said the German all-around champion, lifting her fist in tribute.
What about sports, especially gymnastics, have you been particularly amazed by lately? It's the resilient and talented group of teenage athletes from Germany who clinched a silver medal in the team competition at the European Gymnastics Championships.
