Mörz targets Austria’s first women’s European gymnastics medal

Austria’s women artistic gymnasts will seek their first European Championship medal in Zagreb from Thursday, ORF reported. Charlize Mörz, competing at the event for the fifth time, is in top form and hopes to realise that goal.

“If everything comes together on the competition days, anything is possible,” the 20-year-old from Burgenland said. The Paris Olympian feels “very good” and is especially targeting a top finish in Saturday’s vault final. She placed seventh on the apparatus at last year’s World Championships.

Mörz said she had taken another step forward over the past six months. “The vaults are now cleaner and much higher, and the quality is better,” she said.

New national coach Lara van Dyck said Mörz was in excellent condition and now believed in her ability to perform under pressure. “I expect a lot from her at the European Championships,” said the Belgian coach.

Mörz is also among Europe’s leading gymnasts on floor. She said she had improved on all four apparatuses, refined her routines and developed “a certain self-confidence”.

Selina Kickinger will miss the competition after suffering a double ligament tear in her left ankle and a pronounced bone marrow oedema during a test competition. “I am naturally disappointed. The timing could hardly be worse,” the Lower Austrian said.

The Turnsport Austria squad also includes Leni Bohle, Bianca Frysak, Rosa Schwaninger and Katrin Palicka. The team aims to finish among Europe’s top 13 nations and qualify for the World Championships in October.

“I am really happy with our current form. We are ready for the European Championships,” van Dyck said. The men will compete at the European Championships next week.