Two Gold Medals for Belgium at the European Tumbling Championships
In this highly spectacular gymnastics discipline, Lani Spiessens claimed the European title in the senior category, while Laurent Lommaert achieved the same feat among the juniors.
This year, Europe’s top tumbling specialists gathered in Portimão, Portugal.
By way of reminder, tumbling (from the English verb to tumble, meaning “to somersault”) is a discipline of acrobatic gymnastics performed on an inflatable track measuring 25 metres in length and 1.5 metres in width. It is preceded by a 10.5‑metre run‑up and followed by a landing mat more than 20 centimetres thick.
In practical terms, a gymnast competing in tumbling must perform a series of eight rebounding elements, either hands-to-feet or feet-to-feet, at very high speed (with an average speed exceeding 30 km/h) and at an impressive height that can exceed four metres.
In the junior category, Laurent Lommaert, the reigning world champion in tumbling, once again showcased the full extent of his talent. Untouchable throughout the competition, he dominated the super final with an impressive total score of 27.700 points. Holding a lead of 2.600 points over his closest rival, he thus secured another European championship title.
In the senior category, 17‑year‑old Lani Spiessens also outclassed her opponents to claim the European championship title. Finishing ahead of, among others, the reigning world champion, Greece’s Alexandra Efraimoglou, she earned a magnificent gold medal in her first appearance at the European Championships, following an already impressive record built up in the junior ranks.
It is also worth noting that in the team competition, Lani Spiessens teamed up with Louise Van Regenmortel to secure a fine silver medal for the Belgian delegation.
Belgium thus once again confirms its status as a leading nation in gymnastics.