EYOF writes unforgettable stories: The premiere of Irish gymnasts on the international stage

As part of the girls’ all-around at the EYOF 2022 in Banská Bystrica at the winter stadium, which the organizers turned into a gymnastics hall for the needs of the competition, Irish gymnasts experienced their international premiere, for which it was the first ever competition outside their country.

“I am very happy and satisfied with our performance. It was the first international competition, and it was at EYOF 2022. The audience was great. We were in the rotation with the Slovaks, so the people in the audience created a great atmosphere when we practiced on the apparatuses,” said thirteen-year-old Sophie McGuinness, who, together with her sister Maeve and her friend Lily Russell is competing at the European Youth Olympic Festival. “We are not used to such a big stage and such an atmosphere. We practiced on the apparatuses with several other teams and it was amazing,” added Maeve McGuinness the immediate feelings after the competition.

Maeve and Sophie have two older sisters who were also involved in gymnastics. They like to spend their free time in the garden playing table tennis. “We have not seen much of the city yet, but from what we have managed to see, the city is beautiful and all the people are very nice and kind,” Sophie says with a smile. “It is lovely to see so many volunteers out on the streets helping out during the event. It shows what an amazing place this is,” added Maeve.

Sisters were able to attend the opening ceremony alongside their teammate, Lily Russell. It was a once-in-a lifetime experience for the thirteen-year-old representatives. “The atmosphere was amazing. It was inspiring to see all the athletes take the stage under the flag of their country. I was happy to be able to wear an Irish vest and represent our country,” said Lily. “It was a life experience. I am very happy that we were able to be at the opening ceremony and that we were able to go on stage under the Irish flag,” Sophie described her feelings. Everyone agreed on one thing. “Representing the Irish team was unforgettable.”

Young stars persistently follow the path of an athlete in order to fulfill their dream. But they know it is a tough road. Sophie presented the programs of both sisters. “During the week, we train four times in the gym and twice at home individually. We have Sundays off.” And while regular children enjoy their summer vacation, the girls have a summer full of training. “We are all training together at the national training center in Dublin at the moment,” added Lily. After EYOF 2022, they will compete at the European championships in Munich, Germany.

In addition to gymnastics, they do not want to miss other sports at EYOF 2022. “I would like to go watch basketball. I like team sports because I get to see how teams can work together,” said Sophie. “I would like to see badminton or tennis because they are fast sports and I really like that,” added Maeve. Lily is excited to go cheer on the Irish team. “I do not have only one sport that I would like to see. I think that all sports would be great to go see, because each of them has something interesting.”

They have a clear goal for the future. However, they all still have a long way to go. “Of course, I would like to get to the Olympic Games in the future. But until then, I want to compete in international competitions, represent Ireland and be happy with my performances,” Sophie and Maeve said with a smile. “I want to work on my gymnastics skills, keep improving, compete internationally, and like Sophie said, maybe compete in the Olympics one day,” Lily added.

Irish team coach Sandra Stevenson sees EYOF as a great opportunity for young athletes. “There are not many multi-sport events where young athletes can compete. It is a great event because they feel like they are part of a bigger team and get unforgettable experiences similar to those of the Olympic or European Games, where you compete in one sport in a big multi-sport festival. It is an experience of a lifetime to be in the athletes’ village, to see the opening and closing ceremonies, and the sports grounds where they can compete.”

She also accompanies Sophie, Maeve, and Lily to the competition at EYOF 2022. She watches their performance closely. “It is a great experience for the girls, they have the opportunity not only to be part of the gymnastics team, but also the Irish national team, to meet athletes from other countries and local volunteers. We coaches also have great experience, we enjoy competitions and we are proud of our gymnasts.”

According to her, the young Irish gymnasts are always fun. “They still have to do something. They dance, sing, and make stories for social networks. We have many beautiful photos as a team. During the competition, they are fully concentrated on all their exercises, and no one would even say that they are at their first international competition,” added Stevenson.