From Rimini via Paris to Leipzig, European Champion Manila Esposito (ITA) reflects

The European Championships in Artistic Gymnastics are right around the corner. Held in the German city of  Leipzig from 26 to 31 May 2025, the outstanding Italian gymnast, who is inspiring the gymnastics world with her performances, is expected to compete: Manila Esposito!

Esposito set an example with her impressive successes at her home European Championships in Rimini in 2024. There, she has secured the title of European all-around Champion and crowned her great performance with three more gold medals: on the balance beam, floor and with the team.

“The competition at home was something very special - the arena was packed and my whole family was in the stands”, says the 18-year-old.

Family support is particularly important in competitive sport, and this also applies to Manila. “My family plays a central role in my career. Having them with me at competitions gives me security. Even if a competition doesn't go well, my parents are always there to encourage me. It's just wonderful to have them by my side. That gives me stability.”

After her success at the last European Championships, her career reached another peak: the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where she won silver with the team and bronze on the balance beam - an unforgettable moment. “The Olympics were the most exciting experience of my career—a dream come true. Winning silver with the team and bronze on the balance beam was the perfect finishing touch to an incredible year.”

Successes like these require years of training, enormous discipline and focus. Many athletes have personal rituals to optimally prepare for their competitions. Manila also has her own recipe for success: “I listen to music before every competition. It helps me to relax and focus my concentration enormously. It's just part of it for me.”

Manila also has a tip for young talents:

Manila has already set herself another personal goal: “I will do my best to compete at the European Championships in Leipzig.”

The European Championships will be held as part of the International German Gymnastics Festival 2025, which will attract up to 80 000 participants to Leipzig from 28 May to 1 June. The venue will be the Leipzig Trade Fair Center, where in addition to the European Championship competitions, numerous hands-on activities and other competitions of the International German Gymnastics Festival will take place.

Tickets are available online: https://turnfest2025-tickets.reservix.de. Follow the event on social media through the official accounts of the German Gymnastics Federation (Deutscher Turner-Bund) and European Gymnastics!