Cottbus: A Global Hotspot for Gymnastics, Welcoming Athletes from 30 Nations
Despite the absence of the Olympic numbers from the previous year, with 300 athletes from over 70 nations, Cottbus proudly retains its reputation as the world capital of gymnastics with the 48th edition of the Turnier der Meister, taking place from Thursday to Sunday. This year, 30 nations will gather in the Lausitz Arena with 140 athletes, including Olympic, World, and European medalists, as well as promising newcomers.
Among the notable participants is Oksana Chusovitina, who is making her 23rd appearance at the tournament. The 49-year-old gymnastics legend made her Cottbus debut in 1989 and holds the record for most Turnier der Meister titles with an impressive 15 victories. After narrowly missing out on the 2024 Paris Olympics, the 1992 Olympic champion is determined to make another run at the coveted Games, competing in both vault and balance beam events. "I want to prove to myself whether I can do it or not, especially at this age," Chusovitina said.
While the current edition of the Turnier der Meister does not offer qualification points for the 2028 Olympics, it will return to that status in the lead-up to the Games, likely attracting a similar level of participation as seen last year. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has granted the tournament World Cup status until 2028. This year, the six-leg series begins in Cottbus before moving on to Baku, Doha, Cairo, Antalya, and Osijek.
The host club, SC Cottbus Turnen, has selected Tom Schultze as their representative in the German team for the third consecutive year. Schultze will be joined by Milan Hosseini, Daniel Mousichidis, Alexander Kunz, and Dario Sissakis, all of whom will be under the guidance of new head coach, 55-year-old Jens Milbradt from Berlin.
On the women’s side, national coach Gerben Wiersma has opted for a younger team, featuring Lisa Wötzel and Silja Stöhr. Wötzel, from Chemnitz, and Stöhr, from Heddesheim, will be aiming to make a strong impression in Cottbus.
The Turnier der Meister has a long and illustrious history, dating back to 1969. It has consistently attracted the world’s top gymnasts, cementing Cottbus’s position as a global hub for the sport. The 2023 edition promises to continue this tradition, showcasing the latest stars and providing a glimpse into the future of gymnastics.
