Listen to ‘The European Gymnastics Podcast Episode 5: Inclusivity and opportunity’

In February, European Gymnastics launched its very own podcast series, shining a light on the eight disciplines represented at the European continental gymnastics federation, its events, its stars & their skills, and much more.

Now episode 5 is here!  

Episode 5: Inclusivity and opportunity

In this episode, Olly Hogben and Blythe Lawrence count medals with the Spanish Rhythmic group, go to Austria to learn about Gymnastics for All and check out the power of representing Scotland ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

• Blythe recaps the essential gymnastics news including the comeback of French star Melanie de Jesus dos Santos, the success of the Bulgarian men led by Daniel Trifonov at the Tashkent World Challenge Cup, the return of Taeja James who’s back after a 5-year layoff and the unique turn displayed by Darja Varfolomeev which could see her name printed in the Code of Points.

An iconic piece of Artistic Gymnastics music is playing in the background. Can you guess who used this and when?

• Spain swept all three group titles at the 2026 Rhythmic Europeans, just like they did in 2025. The captain of the Spanish group Ines Bergua joins Blythe for an open-hearted talk about their ambition and the feelings during a routine, even revealing what the secret ingredient to their success is.
• With the European Gym for Life Challenge and EUROGYM coming up in Pistoia, we focus on ‘Gymnastics for All’, the most inclusive discipline -and non-competitive- in the gymnastics portfolio. We welcome Nina and Sarah from Austria’s Tanzhaus Hohenems whose performance at last year’s World Gym for Life Challenge contained a profound message of inclusivity and breaking down barriers as their group of dancers -with and without disabilities- comes together as a unit, dancing on stage together and creating an inspiring spectacle.
• The Commonwealth Games are coming up in August. One of the biggest multi-sports events in the world sees athletes competing under different flags like Northern Ireland and Wales. We’re joined by Shannon Archer who is vivacious and overjoyed to talk about her pride in wearing the Scottish colours. The Scottish star retired after the 2022 Commonwealth Games where she won the bronze on vault becoming Scotland’s first ever female artistic gymnastics medallist.
• So … did you guess the floor music? Let us know on social media!

 

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‘The European Gymnastics Podcast’ is available on:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

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‘The European Gymnastics Podcast’ is a European Gymnastics original production, created by European Gymnastics in partnership with Olly Hogben and Blythe Lawrence.