LETTER TO EDITOR Vol. 16 Issue 3: 2024 546 Author: Flavio Bessi A Resounding Success – International Gymnastics Congress 2024 brings global expertise to Freiburg Freiburg, Germany – 12 to 13 October 2024 – The XVIII. International Freiburg Gymnastics Congress 2024 took place as usual in mid-October at the University of Freiburg and once again marked a significant milestone in the world of gymnastics education and training. This outstanding event brought together top experts, coaches and researchers from all over the world and created a vibrant platform for the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge and advanced training techniques. The congress provided a unique opportunity for professionals in the field to engage with the latest scientific findings and practical approaches to gymnastics. A truly international gathering of excellence This year’s congress featured renowned speakers and workshop leaders, including leading academics, national coaches and FIG experts. Highlights included Hiroaki Sato, the current head coach of the Japanese national team, who shared his insights into the training methods that helped Japan win gold at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris in two inspiring presentations. Other notable contributions came from Marco Bortoleto (BRA), Ivan Čuk (SLO), Monèm Jemni (UK) and Michel Marina (ESP), who offered in-depth presentations on topics such as the physiological demands of gymnastics, innovative strength training, the difficulties of Europe's ever-growing population in relation to the physical characteristics of successful elite gymnasts and the challenges of coach education. Dynamic workshops and insightful lectures The two-day event featured a comprehensive program of workshops and lectures tailored to a wide range of participants, from aspiring coaches to seasoned professionals. Below are just few examples of the sessions: - Athlete-centred training and Olympic preparation: Hiroaki Sato shared his philosophy on fostering intrinsic motivation in athletes and provided valuable strategies for building confidence and achieving peak performance. - Resilience in Sport: Ivonne K. Herr guided participants through strategies for building emotional resilience and effective leadership, addressing the psychological challenges coaches face in a competitive environment. - Children in high performance gymnastics – can there be a child-friendly and child-centred approach? Hardy Fink, the long-standing head of the FIG Coach Academy, sensitised his audience to the danger of training increasingly difficult movements with athletes at an ever earlier stage, especially in the pubertal phase. - Physiological and energetic requirements in gymnastics: Alexander Seemann-Sinn from the Institute for Applied Training Science in Leipzig presented very recent findings on the importance of aerobic endurance in gymnastics, which revolutionise earlier scientific findings. - The role of gymnastics in healthy ageing: Karmen Šibanc and Maja Pajek explored how gymnastics can support the physical and mental health of older adults and offered practical insights into adapting exercise for longevity and well-being. LETTER TO EDITOR Vol. 16 Issue 3: 2024 547 The XVIII Freiburg International Gymnastics Congress 2024 was not only an educational event, but also a celebration for the global gymnastics community. Since the first edition in 2006, which began with top coach Mikhail Klimenko, more than 5,600 sports enthusiasts have found their way to southern Germany to take part in this gymnastics event. The unique combination of scientific rigour and practical workshops combined with a friendly and family- like atmosphere ensured that every participant left with new skills, insights, and connections. Attendees had the chance to network with leading figures in the sport, exchange ideas, and gain fresh inspiration to elevate their training practices. An invitation to the future: don’t miss out the next edition! The success of this year’s congress sets the stage for even greater events in the future. Whether you are a coach eager to refine your training methods, a researcher passionate about the latest advancements in sports science, or simply a gymnastics enthusiast, the Freiburg International Gymnastics Congress is the place to be. Don’t miss the opportunity to join us again in Freiburg for an unforgettable experience that will deepen your understanding of gymnastics and connect you with the global gymnastics community. Stay tuned for announcements about the XIX Freiburg International Gymnastics Congress and get ready to be inspired by the very best in the field! Flavio Bessi