Nina Derwael Announces Her Retirement from Gymnastics

Belgium’s gymnastics icon Nina Derwael retires at 24, ending a record-breaking career with Olympic gold and multiple world titles. Learn about her legacy, achievements, and future plans in this tribute.

🥇 Nina Derwael Ends Her Brilliant Gymnastics Career: “I No Longer Want to Put a Strain on My Body”

Belgian gymnastics legend Nina Derwael has officially announced her retirement from elite competition, bringing an emotional end to one of the most decorated careers in Belgium’s sports history. The 24-year-old made the heartfelt decision public on July 15, 2025, citing the toll elite gymnastics has taken on her body.

A Career That Redefined Belgian Gymnastics

Nina Derwael will forever be remembered as the first Belgian woman to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics, claiming victory on the uneven bars at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. But her achievements stretch far beyond that historic moment. She is also a two-time World Champion (2018 and 2019), a European champion, and the innovator behind two original bar skills that now bear her name in the Code of Points.

Her elegant yet powerful routines elevated Belgium’s reputation in international gymnastics and made her a symbol of excellence.

“I No Longer Want to Strain My Body”

In her own words, Nina explained:

“If I want to play a significant role at a World Championship or the Olympics, I have to put even more and longer strain on my body, and I don’t want to take that risk any longer.”

After making a comeback from shoulder surgery in 2023, Nina returned to top form earlier this year, winning two European titles in Leipzig on the uneven bars and balance beam. Still, she felt the price of continued success was too steep for her body and mind.

“I could have kept going. But at what cost? This was the right time to stop.”

Going Out at the Top

Nina’s decision to retire after a double European gold demonstrates her strength and self-awareness. Few athletes choose to step away when they are still winning, but Nina’s choice reflects maturity and wisdom.

She acknowledged that her recent victories were “based purely on experience,” and that pushing herself further could risk long-term health.

This decision sets a new benchmark for graceful exits in elite sport retiring at the top, not due to decline, but as a conscious act of self-respect.

A Lasting Legacy

• 🥇 Olympic Champion – Tokyo 2020 (Uneven Bars)
• 🌍 World Champion – 2018 & 2019 (Uneven Bars)
• ⭐ European Champion – Multiple titles across her career
• 🧠 Innovator – Two eponymous skills in the gymnastics Code of Points
• 🇧🇪 National Hero – First female Olympic gymnastics medalist for Belgium

Nina’s impact goes far beyond medals. She inspired an entire generation of young athletes in Belgium and abroad, showing that with dedication, innovation, and discipline, even a small country can make it to the top of the world stage.

Honored and Celebrated

To celebrate her incredible contribution to sport, the Flemish government has announced an official honoring ceremony on August 22 at the prestigious Memorial Van Damme event in Brussels.

This national tribute will gather fans, public figures, and fellow athletes to commemorate her remarkable journey and symbolic retirement.

What’s Next for Nina?

Just days before her retirement announcement, Nina married her partner Thibau Dierickx, beginning a new chapter in her personal life. While she hasn’t revealed detailed plans for the future, it’s clear that her journey is far from over.

Many expect her to transition into roles such as coaching, media commentary, or mentoring, where her experience and charisma will continue to influence the sport.

The Belgian Gymnastics Federation has confirmed an upcoming press conference, where Nina is expected to share more about her future goals and direction.

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Final Salute to a Champion

From Olympic gold to world-class innovation, Nina Derwael leaves behind a legacy of elegance, power, and precision. She retires not because she had to but because she chose to, on her own terms.

🇧🇪 Belgium is proud. The world applauds.
👏 Merci, Nina.