‘Back to the Roofs’ – Gymnastics Medicine at the European Championships

Back in August, Board Member Liz was a physiotherapist (physical therapist) at the European Championships in Munich, Germany. This year’s event was a multi-sport event (artistic gymnastics, athletics, beach volleyball, canoe sprint, cycling, rock climbing, rowing, table tennis and triathlon), which all took place simultaneously in the Olympic Park. One of the most noteworthy features of this Championships is the fact that it was reusing the same venues from when Munich last held the Olympic Games in 1972 (think Olga Korbut!).

The Olympiahalle was also the home of Olga Korbut’s historic medal run in 1972

Liz was lucky enough to be one of the physios selected to work in the women’s senior and junior artistic gymnastics, both in the training halls and the competition venue.  In total 270 gymnasts from 36 nations competed at the Olympiahalle over the two Championship weeks. As part of this role, Liz was on hand to tend to any injuries that occurred in the training/warm up halls and provide any treatments required by the gymnasts.

With 15,000 spectators in a sold-out Olympiahalle for the finals weekend, this European Championship was quite an experience! And of course, no competition is complete without a dance with the mascot!

Danke Schön München! Wir haben viel Spaß gemacht!

Mascot ‘Gfreidi’ and Liz