German group misses out on Olympic final 

Germany’s rhythmic gymnastics group has missed out on the all-around final at the Paris Olympics. In the qualifying round on Friday (9 August 2024) in the Arena Porte de la Chapelle, the German team came 13 out of a total of 14 countries.  

After a promising first routine with the hoops that scored the group 33.700 points and an auspicious ninth place, their second routine with the ribbon and ball contained three major errors. Among other things, a ball slipped out of the team’s hands and a ribbon got tangled up, resulting in a low score of 23.650. The team achieved a total score of 57.350 points, which was not enough to qualify for the final in the top eight. This disappointment was difficult for the team to swallow, as they had very high expectations of themselves. 

The quintet of Anja Kosan, Daniela Kromm, Alina Oganesyan, Emilia Wickert and Hanna Vester had hoped for more. Hanna Vester said after the competition: 

It is a bitter moment for us, we have been working towards this for so long and then this routine happened. We are currently very disappointed. But we have to be proud of what we have achieved.

Despite the disappointment, the team remain optimistic and are looking to the future. They are determined to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger. 

They can hold their heads high, knowing they gave their all.