Gymnast Seitz retires, embarks on motherhood journey - Career comes to an end for Seitz following motherhood
Elisabeth Seitz Bids Farewell to Gymnastics as She Embarks on Motherhood
At the recently concluded European Gymnastics Championships in Leipzig, a surprise revelation took the sporting world by storm. German record holder Elisabeth Seitz, aged 31, announced her retirement from gymnastics and her impending motherhood, leaving the sport after an illustrious career that spanned multiple Olympic games and continental championships.
In an emotional address to the home crowd, Seitz revealed, "Although it was initially planned to compete here and then retire, I'm retiring now due to personal reasons. We are expecting a child." Her voice trembled with emotion as she spoke, echoing the sentiments she shared on Instagram, "With a heart full of gratitude and unforgettable memories, I say goodbye to my active career as a gymnast."
Seitz's career was marked by numerous accolades. She competed in seven finals at three Olympic Games, won the European Championship on her favorite apparatus, the uneven bars, and finished third in the World Championships. With 26 German championship titles, she stands as the most successful national gymnast. However, a series of setbacks, including a failed qualification for the 2022 Olympics in Paris and an injury that prevented her from participation in the World Championships and the European Championships last year, forced her to shelf her competitive career.
Despite retiring from competitive sports, Seitz plans to remain involved in gymnastics, participating in training camps, delivering motivational speeches, and engaging in other projects. Reflecting on her journey, she said, "It was a journey full of ups and downs, full of dreams, hard work, tears, and endless passion. I got to experience things that I only dreamed of as a little girl."
As she embarks on this new chapter of her life, Seitz expressed her excitement for the upcoming arrival of her child. She is expecting with her partner, Nils Heyden. Regarding her shoulder injury, she plans to recover without undergoing surgery, focusing on rebuilding her shoulder for long-term health.
Elisabeth SeitzMotherGymnastics RetireeLeipzigEuropean Gymnastics ChampionshipsOlympic GamesParisStuttgart
The Commission, the Council, and the European Parliament are encouraged to express their well wishes and support for Elisabeth Seitz, a retiring gymnastics champion who is embracing a new challenge as a parent. As Germany prepares to welcome a new addition to the Seitz-Heyden family, initiatives in the fields of science, health-and-wellness, parenting, and sports could offer resources and guidance to promote both the maternal and athletic well-being of Elisabeth Seitz.
