German gymnasts secure final places at the Olympic Games

On Thursday (8 August 2024), the two German gymnasts Darja Varfolomeev and Margarita Kolosov successfully qualified for the individual all-around finals in rhythmic gymnastics at the Paris Olympics. 

Five-time world champion Varfolomeev, who is seventeen years old, gained 136.850 points after four routines with the ball, hoop, ribbon and clubs despite a few errors, putting her in second place. Her teammate Kolosov gained a total of 131.500 points to finish in fifth.

Varfolomeev completed an exceptional routine with the ball to gain 36.450 points, the highest score of the day. Despite dropping equipment during the hoop routine and some issues with small knots in the ribbon, after a strong performance with her final routine using the clubs, she managed to secure a promising position for medal hopes on Friday. 

Kolosov also impressed with consistently good performances. With strong nerves and no major slip-ups, she consistently ranked as one of the top seven of the 24 gymnasts at her first Olympics, securing fifth place in the last round with 30.150 points and thus a place in the final between the top ten.

Both athletes appeared satisfied with their performances and are looking forward to the final. After the qualification round, the five-time world champion told TV Schmiden:

I am first and foremost happy with the competition, despite my errors. Today was about reaching the final, and I managed it.

The 20-year-old Potsdam native added: ‘I am completely happy with my performance, but I obviously didn’t know if it was enough to get me to the final. When it was confirmed, the relief was huge. I can’t wait for the final.’

We are crossing our fingers for Germany’s female gymnasts in the individual all-around final.