Gymnast Casimir Schmidt hopes that the Dutch gymnasts will finish on the ‘right side of the line’ at the European Championship gymnastics in Antalya. With this, the gymnast of SV PAX Haarlemmermeer is aiming for a place in the top 13 in the Nations Cup. The Dutch team thus assures itself of a team ticket for the World Cup later this year, where Olympic starting permits can be earned.
“If everyone does their thing and everyone hits, then we are very good”, said Schmidt after the last European Championship qualifier, where he was the best Dutch heptathlete. “We just don’t have a lot of margin on some devices,” he was also critical.
“It is difficult to predict. We had a hard time anyway with the loss of the injured Jordi Hagenaar. The selection is not very wide. But I think the boys are handling it very well. I suspect that the numbers 6 to 15 on the European Championships are going to be very close to each other. Then it is hoped that as a team you are on the right side of the line. That’s what we’re going for. But we still have to do it, “he laughed.
Schmidt himself, who returned to the World Cup last year after a lingering ankle injury, is fit again. “Although my ankle is still not 100 percent. Every time the line goes up, but something happens again. Fortunately, the setbacks are getting less and less intense. It is therefore doable and I am looking forward to it.”
Although national coach Dirk van Meldert has yet to announce the final selection, he sees Schmidt as an important pillar in the team. “Loran de Munck, who turns three apparatus, is also part of this. Normally Martijn de Veer is the third strongest player”, said Van Meldert. “But today Martijn had knee problems, so it is to be hoped that it will not be too bad. We really need him, especially after Jordi’s failure. After those three, it remains to be seen who will become numbers four and five in the team.”
“Making decisions about selections is always extremely difficult”, the national coach laughed. “It’s always about those last places. The starting point for the choices remains the team: we want to have the strongest team in Antalya. If the team turns well, it will be in the top 13. If mistakes are made, it will be difficult. sub-top is very close to each other, but this team can reach the top 13.”
Next week national coach Dirk van Meldert will announce his five-man selection. The EC gymnastics will take place from 11 to 16 April in Antalya, Turkey.
Source: ANP
