Flamengo's artistic gymnastics is known for its excellence and tradition. In 2016, an Olympic year, the "Mais Querido" (the most beloved club) was proud to have four of its gymnasts at the Rio Games, and this year, Flavia Saraiva and Rebeca Andrade have been called up again, this time for the first international challenge of 2017. Not only focusing on past glories, Flamengo has been investing in the sport's new talents and now has new gymnasts on its adult artistic gymnastics team. Luisa Kirchmayer is one of them.

 

Luisa, 15, is a newcomer to the adult category. Until last year, the young gymnast competed in the youth category, where she was the Brazilian runner-up in 2015. Luisa arrived at Mais Querido in February, for the start of the 2017 season, and will begin this new phase of her career wearing the Manto Sagrado. 

 

Despite being new to the Gávea club, wearing the colors of Flamengo is nothing new for the gymnast. "Wearing the Flamengo jersey is nothing new to me; I'm a Flamengo fan from birth. Being able to represent my favorite team in my sport is an honor," the athlete revealed.

 

Luisa also commented on the challenge of competing in the adult category for the first time.

 

"The first year in the adult category is a big change for us gymnasts; we need to always be prepared. I've been trying to push myself every day to achieve my goals and enter the world competition scene, in addition to the national ones," she explained.

 

The gymnast is part of a new group of girls arriving at Mais Querido to continue the work they've been doing in the sport. Luisa Kirchmayer will have the chance to represent Flamengo for the first time in August, in the Brazilian Championship of the sport, under the watchful eye of Ângelo Sabino, Mais Querido's new coach. The gymnast is coached by Ângelo, her former coach, and accompanied the professional when he came to represent the Rubro-Negro at the beginning of the year.