My early Euros thoughts from Zagreb
I decided to visit Zagreb from the USA. I braved the heat wave and watching Russia glorify Putin over these last four days.
Here are my 10 highlights, in no particular order.
- The diversity
We're seeing this worldwide. With Algerians, Panamanians, ETC doing really well. I became a fan in 1996. It was a much simpler time, children. I'm used to Romania, Russia, and Ukraine dominating. Every now and then a Western European team would breakthrough.
Here in Zagreb we had Malta's first team. I think the st Jr Luxembourg team. You have countries like Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, liechtenstein etc sending gymnasts. The announcers said this was the biggest Euros. 5 sessions for senior women!
I think only 8-9 European countries didn't send gymnasts.
- The Belarusians
Really impressed by their comeback. Both teams, especially juniors, blew me away. Equally impressed with their ability to house a whole bunch of McDonald's in the mall next door.
- The Ukrainian SR team
Again nostalgia. The 1996 Ukrainian Olympic team is my favorite of all time. While this team has a way to go, they really blew me away. They were 9th! They were composed and doing great gymnastics. Especially happy, considering Putin's Angels were in the same session.
- The Italians
This meet proved that Italy is now a world power. Manila was tired and they went deeper into their bench than they have in a long time. The newbies did so well. Such a beautiful country with great traditions. Japan and Italy are my favorite teams.
- Alba Petisco
She has impressed me, made me emotional, and made me want to fight. Her level of commitment to her gymnastics is inspiring. Her early gymnastics wasn't this good. She has fought so hard and commits so much to her performances. She's so special 😭😭😭😭
- The veterans
Today I was specifically blown away by Manila, Pauline, and Naomi. I've seen them a million times. I knew they were great, but seeing them in person proves why they're the top gymnasts. They all had the special magnetism that just can't be taught. Manila and Naomi especially exude such a calm confidence.
- Ruby Evans
I never paid much attention to her. She's fierce though. Her floor routine was on another level. Her presence is unteachable. I love her rhythm and stillness. I'm not sure I would appreciate her as much on tv. She has this calm gravitas. It's undeniable.
- The juniors
Some of the juniors outdid their senior counterparts. Dmitrieva's beam adore could've won the senior title. Some stand outs we didn't see today: Tieva FIN, Jurado FRA, Shmuely ISR , Jvania GEO, Asaftei POL, Marocchi LUX, the Galeas MLT, and the PRINCESS OF THE JUNIORS, Estella Volkoff
- The entries
Loved the Norway's juniors and Ireland's junior A+++. Honorable mention to the Slovenian with sunglass choreography, the team who created chalk clouds (Israel??), and the individual British women. Can someone create a compliation?
- Being around so many gymnasts
Not to be creepy or para social, but it's always cool seeing so many gymnasts. I've been to 3 Euros now (2004, 2018, 2026) and 2025 University Games. This competition was the closest to the gymnasts. Whether I was near family (Perotti's little brother, Aniela's dad, or Marano's boyfriend who asked me who WG1 was), or near actual gymnasts (entire Israeli Jr team, Sanna Veerman, July Marano, etc), or spying the entire British mens team at the food court. Or watching the Belarussian team with their McDonald smorgasbord. Or having Charlize Moerz hold a door for you and realize you're not worthy (she's strong). I am also grateful the Voinea's didn't catch my gawking at them, because I was not ready to get a beat down. I also saw some oldies, like Sarah Voss and Tina Erceg, Kristian Tomas. OMG Manila is a few feet away from me as we speak.
- Bonus!
My first Euros I watched in person was 2004 in Amsterdam. Where I parties and went bowling with Melodi Pulgarin's brother. At that competition was Tijana Lorentz (I believe) and Marta Pihan. Crazy 22 years later and we're reunited!
Thanks for listening to my ramblings. These meets are a marathon.
My next goal is to attend a meet in Asia. I had a lot of fun.
Low lights
The 10 year old Croatian boy vaping in front of me
The announcers: just STFU. It's ok to be quiet for a bit. While it was exciting hearing from Tina Erceg, it got silly when they're asking her "is it bad to fall?", "why do gymnasts exercise"?
The teams that didn't send full junior squads. I'm looking at you Netherlands, Ukraine, and Hungary! And Sweden! Where the f were you? I just watched the Malarcupen Cup from a few months ago. You have juniors! They're your future!!!!!