Vote for your favourite gymnasts of 2025

European Gymnastics proudly launches the sixth edition of its ‘Gymnast of the Year’ election! You can vote for your 2025 favourites via the links on our website.

For this edition, our Executive Committee chose the following 5 categories: Female, Male, Team, Outstanding Performance and Coach.

Nominations for the long list were made by our Technical Committees, Authorities, staff, and the 50 European member Federations. A selection committee featuring European Gymnastics Vice-President Sabrina Klaesberg, Executive Committee members Carine Charlier and Ignacio Marron, General Director Lisa Worthmann and Head of Media Tina Gerets, had the difficult task to choose 5 nominees in each category.

The nominees are listed alphabetically by surname (Female, Male and Coach) or country (Team and Outstanding Performance). 

Discover the nominees!

 

Female Gymnast of the Year - Nominees

Ana Barbosu (ROU) – Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

A former junior European Champion, Romania’s Ana Barbosu excelled at the European Championships in Leipzig. In the all-around, she clinched the bronze medal, a return to the podium for her country, 12 years after Larisa Iordache’s silver medal. A last-minute replacement in the bars final, Ana Barbosu continued on her medal winning path, adding another bronze medal while she earned the silver on beam. Saving her very best till last, Barbosu cruised through her floor routine with her usual style and grace, clinching the gold medal. In the meantime, she studied for her final exams and prepared her move to the University of Stanford in the US where she’s now competing in their college system.

 

Nina Derwael (BEL) – Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

Choosing to compete on bars and beam only at the Europeans in Leipzig, superstar Nina Derwael’s decision more than paid off. Posting both the highest difficulty and the highest execution score in the uneven bars final, the 25-year-old Belgian showcased her superb lines, in an exercise that flowed from start to finish. Gold for Derwael, her first major international title since becoming Olympic Champion at the Tokyo Games in 2021, and an impressive third European crown for the Queen of Bars! The next day, the 2019 European Games Champion showed great concentration and control on beam, earning her the top execution mark of this final. Silver in 2018, gold in 2025, Derwael clinched the bars & beam double and decided to retire a bit later.

 

Taisiia Onofriichuk (UKR) – Rhythmic Gymnastics

Showing splendid form over the entire season, Taisiia Onofriichuk clinched the overall World Cup victory and confirmed her fine shape at the Europeans in Tallinn. Going into the all-around final as the top qualifier, the young Ukrainian star controlled her nerves fabulously, hitting routine after routine. Earning 29.950 for both her ‘Thriller’ hoop and her ‘Everybody dance now’ clubs performance, Onofriichuk excelled with ribbon. Performing to the Mary Poppins soundtrack ‘supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’, Onofriichuk got the spectators on their feet in awe with the variety of skills and artistry presented. Posting the top score with ribbon, Onofriichuk secured the gold medal, the first European all-around title for Ukraine since 1997 when the legendary Olena Vitrychenko won.

 

Melania Rodriguez (ESP) – Trampoline Gymnastics

A well-known name in Double Mini-Trampoline, European and World Champion Melania Rodriguez had a stellar 2025. At the World Games in China, Rodriguez clinched the bronze medal. She became the first female athlete to perform the triple back pike in DMT on her way to her second consecutive World crown, this time in front of a home crowd in Pamplona.

 

Darja Varfolomeev (GER) – Rhythmic Gymnastics

Nothing could stop reigning Olympic Champion Darja Varfolomeev in 2025: first, she became European Champion with ribbon for the third time in a row and won bronze in the all-around. Then, she earned a whopping five titles at the World Championships! The 19-year-old student has impressively confirmed that she is number one in her sport, combining effortless elegance and maximum difficulty like no other gymnast.

 

Vote here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/Q653XZTIQ

 

Male Gymnast of the Year - Nominees

Gabriel Albuquerque (POR) – Trampoline Gymnastics

In 2025, Portuguese Trampoline star Gabriel Albuquerque went from one high to another. Alongside Lucas Santos, he won the gold medal at the World Games in Synchronised Trampoline. At the World Championships, he finished 4th in the Individual Trampoline final, being the best European in the competition. In addition to these achievements, Albuquerque also contributed to the Portuguese Individual Trampoline Team winning bronze.

 

Tofig Aliyev (AZE) – Trampoline Gymnastics

A true tumbling sensation, Tofiq Aliyev pulled out the stops at the World Games in Chengdu (CHN). The Azeri star truly went for broke … he attempted a full-full-full on the tumbling track in the final and stuck it! With this he not only secured the silver medal, he also took the sport to a new level. And he was an instrumental part of his country’s team winning their second consecutive tumbling World title.

 

Hamlet Manukyan (ARM) – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

Hamlet Manukyan made an impressive senior debut in 2025, winning three World Cup titles on pommel horse before heading to the European Championships. Showcasing exquisite execution Manukyan posted a total score of 14.766, overtaking teammate Mamikon Khachatryan for the gold. An Armenian one-two finish to the delight of the entire delegation for the 2027 hosts. Junior European Champion, junior World Champion and now his first senior European title, Hamlet follows into the footsteps of Ireland’s Rhys Mcclenaghan.

 

Noe Seifert (SUI) – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

After leading his Swiss team to a historic silver medal at the European Championships, Noe Seifert focused on his individual capabilities at the World Championships in Jakarta. Building confidence from his performance in qualifications, Seifert kept himself calm and composed to cleanly execute his routines in the all-around final. Battling with gymnastics greats like Daiki Hashimoto and Zhang Boheng, Seifert showed that he belonged right alongside them, sharing the podium as he secured the first Swiss all-around medal in 75 years.

 

Luke Whitehouse (GBR) – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

Luke Whitehouse won his third European floor title in a row, making him the first British male gymnast to win three consecutive European titles and only the second male gymnast in European gymnastics history to do this. He also won the World University Games floor title - the first medal for a British male at this event - and earned the silver on floor at the World Championships.

 

Vote here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QMTEIBV5H

 

Team of the Year

Women’s Tumbling Team (FRA) – Trampoline Gymnastics

In November 2025, the French women's tumbling team featuring Candy Brière-Vetillard, Maëlie Abadie, Maëlle Dumitru-Marin and Manon Morancais won the gold medal at the World Championships in Pamplona. The team’s last title was won four years ago with Candy and Maelle already part of the team. This is the sixth World Team Championships title for the French women's tumbling team, who have won in 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2021, and 2025. The victory confirms the French team's status as leading international competitor.

 

Mixed Team (GER) – Artistic Gymnastics

A historic moment in Leipzig as the Mixed Team Final made its European Championships debut. To the delight of the crowd, the German duo of Timo Eder and Karina Schoenmaier made it into the gold medal fight. They were up against the British pair Jake Jarman and Ruby Evans. Both men competed on high bar, while the women battled on beam. Germany went first, with Eder posting a 13.333. Schoenmaier’s 12.233 on beam made their total score of 25.566. The Brits knew exactly what they needed and went hard. Jarman matched Eder’s score on high bar, putting the pressure on the shoulders of Evans. Both teams sat side by side eagerly awaiting that final score. And when it flashed, the party erupted: 12.133 for Evans for a total score of 25.466, just one tenth less than their rivals. Germany became the first ever European Mixed Team Champion!

 

Alicia Santos, Leonor Carreira and Ema Fernandes (POR) – Acrobatic Gymnastics

The Portuguese Women's Group Alicia Santos, Leonor Carreira and Ema Fernandes became European Champions in 2025 in all exercises: Balance, Dynamic and All-Around, the only senior hattrick of the event! And a historic result for Portugal that demonstrates a clear commitment to the development of Acrobatic Gymnastics in the country.

 

Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics Group (ESP) – Rhythmic Gymnastics

Inés Bergua, Salma Solaun, Andrea Fernández, Andrea Corral, Salma Solaun, and Marina Cortelles excelled at the European Championships in Tallinn by writing history for Spain as they combined efforts to win not one, not two, but all three possible gold medals: All-Around, 5 Ribbons, and Mixed Apparatus!

 

Welsch Master Team (SUI) – Gymnastics for All

Winner of the Bruno Grandi Trophy at the 2025 World Gym for Life Challenge, the group Welsch Master Team combines floor and vaulting disciplines with dance and acrobatics of all kinds. Creativity united in extraordinary choreography. The unique team spirit, solidarity, passion and joie de vivre are demonstrated in ambitious performances. The team inspires at national and international shows and competitions with an innovative air floor and mini-air mats to launch the team’s members high in the air. With the slogan ‘Ensemble’, the group represents Gymnastics for All from all perspectives for a ‘Team of the Year’.

 

Vote here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QBRSKLXQY

 

Outstanding performance

Tanzhaus Hohenems (AUT) – Gymnastics for All

A community of individuals, both with and without disabilities, who share a passion and the joy for collective dance, that sums up Tanzhaus Hohenems quite nicely. Currently consisting of 40 members, coached by Britta Hafner and Liba Selner, the dance performances of this group has already inspired audiences in all over Europe. They dance together in an environment of mutual respect and appreciation, with true solidarity and a lot of joy. Dancers, regardless of ability, combine their skills and strengths to foster growth and creative expression. Their repertoire is artistically expressive, creative, and unique. “This Is Us” – their latest dance choreography is completely different, diverse, each with their own strengths and with their own distinct way of moving and expressing themselves. The show “This Is Us” was created specifically for the 5^th World Gym for Life Challenge and premiered in July 2025 in Lisbon, where it was awarded a Silver Medal and a Wild Card for the World Gym for Life Challenge Gala.

 

Estonian Rhythmic Gymnastics Junior Group National Team (EST) – Rhythmic Gymnastics

The Estonian Rhythmic group made history by winning a bronze medal for their 5 hoops routine at the Junior World Championships in Bulgaria, marking the first-ever World Championship medal for Estonia in rhythmic gymnastics. This result represents a significant milestone for Estonian gymnastics and reflects the athletes’ exceptional dedication, teamwork, and high technical and artistic level on the international stage.

 

Andreas Toba (GER) – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

Andreas Toba has been the rock of the German gymnastics team, giving his all for his team for 15 years. ‘Andy’ competed in his last competition at the European Championships in Leipzig. The drama could hardly have been better: the last routine of his gymnastics career was one of his best. Silver on horizontal bar was the crowning glory for the likeable team player. Retiring after this event, Toba took this opportunity to shine on the international stage one last time. Under the appreciative gaze of nearly 6000 fans, Toba delivered a great horizontal bar routine to match the silver medal won also in 2021. At 34 years old, Toba received a standing ovation and an emotional farewell from the audience.

 

Aerobics group (POR) – Aerobic Gymnastics

Portugal’s Senior Group featuring Quirilo Yanenko, Nádia Almeida, Rui Cansado, Tânia Almeida and Tiago Pinheiro was formed after the 2024 World Championships, when junior World Champions Nádia and Tiago moved up to the senior category. At the Cantanhede World Cup, the team achieved an outstanding second place, confirming their potential at the international level. During the summer of 2025, the Group trained with great focus and determination, fully committed to their main goal: the European Championships. A competition in Bulgaria was part of their preparation, but just four days before traveling, the team faced a major setback. Quirilo suffered a serious foot injury and was forced to use crutches. Despite the severity of the injury, Quirilo managed to recover and everything was once again on track for the European Championship with the team aiming to perform at 100%. However, on the day before the travel to Azerbaijan, another unexpected challenge arose. Our gymnast Tânia suffered a serious foot injury. That same night, after receiving the medical diagnosis, the decision was made to invite Tomás Amaral to join the team. Tomás, who had won the World Age Group Competition in the youth category in 2018, immediately accepted the challenge. It was in the hotel garden that he learned the choreography. Remarkably, the only time the full team performed the complete routine together was during the European Championship qualifications. This journey is a true example of resilience, hope, and team spirit. Despite injuries, uncertainty, and last-minute changes, the Team never gave up. They supported one another, adapted to every challenge and believed in their collective strength. It is proof that success is not only built on talent, but also on unity, trust, and the courage to move forward together, even when the path becomes difficult.

 

Junior WAG team (SVK) – Women’s Artistic Gymnastics

Having the day of their life in qualifications at the European Youth Olympic Festival were the girls from Slovakia: Lucia Piliarova, Nela Ostrihonova, and Lilly Murinova. Spurred on by huge crowd support the girls gave it their all for the team, and were rewarded with the silver medal! Essential to this result was the uneven bars score of 13.900 of the incredible Lucia Piliarova who impressed overall and got a personal reward too: the silver medal in the all-around. Piliarova went on the clinch the silver on bars at the junior World Championships too, becoming the first Slovak to win a medal at this level!

 

Vote here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QDLHT6VUB

 

Coach of the Year

Olga Balakina (POL) – Rhythmic Gymnastics

Olga Balakina is a renowned Polish coach specialising in both individual and group rhythmic gymnastics. Her most valuable achievements under her guidance include winning a European medal after 38 years. The team secured the European Championships runner-up title in the hoops routine, eighth place in the clubs final, and an impressive seventh place in the all-around. With her passion, experience, and ability to build strong teams, Olga Balakina contributes to the continuous improvement of Polish rhythmic gymnastics, setting new standards and inspiring future generations of young athletes.

 

Mike Barnes (GBR) – Trampoline Gymnastics

Former tumbling gymnast and Cirque du Soleil performer, and now a world-renowned Tumbling coach, Mike Barnes excels in producing gymnasts from the very basics to the top level. He actively shares his knowledge, teaching coaches’ education all over Europe, and across disciplines from Tumbling to TeamGym.

 

Claudio Capelli (SUI) – Men’s Artistic Gymnastics

Passing on his own experience to the next generation of Swiss gymnasts, Claudio Capelli reached great success in 2025. The Swiss men achieved a historic team result as they secured the silver medal at the European Chamionships. This outstanding achievement was swiftly followed by Noe Seifert’s silver in the all-around at the World Championships.

 

João Pedro Monteiro (POR) – Trampoline Gymnastics

After a 5th place at the Paris Olympic Games as coach of Gabriel Albuquerque, João Pedro Monteiro came closer to individual medals at the World Championships with a 4th place in the Individual Trampoline final and achieved a victory at the World Games in synchronised trampoline where Gabriel Albuquerque paired up with Lucas Santos.

 

Yulia Raskina (GER) – Rhythmic Gymnastics

Yulia Raskina has put Germany’s rhythmic programme well and truly on the map. Herself Vice-Olympic Champion at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Raskina most notably coaches European, World and Olympic Champion Darja Varfolomeev, but also reached European success in 2025 with Anastasia Simakova who clinched the silver medal for an outstanding ball routine.

 

Vote here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QGIO9U25F

 

Start voting now! You have until Tuesday 3 March 2026 at 12 noon CET!

On our social media channels, a general introduction of all nominees will be launched today Friday 27 February 2026. The nominees in the categories ‘Male Gymnast of the Year’ and ‘Female Gymnast of the Year’ will be highlighted later today. Tomorrow, Saturday 28 February 2026, the honour goes to the nominees in the categories ‘Team of the Year’, ‘Outstanding Performance’ and ‘Coach of the Year’. 

The nominee with the highest amount of votes wins the title. This comes with a € 2000 cheque per category, a certificate, a trophy, and -of course- eternal glory!