The Belgian Gymnastics Federation has named their test event team today after a series of internal tests in addition to their performance at Gymnix earlier this month.

First-year seniors Nina Derwael and Axelle Klinckaert, who won the gold medals on bars and floor in the senior division at Gymnix, will headline a team that also features two-time Olympian Gaelle Mys, 2015 national champion Cindy Vandenhole, 2015 worlds all-around finalist Rune Hermans, and two-time worlds all-around finalist Laura Waem.

First-year seniors Senna Deriks and Julie Meyers are the alternates, while Julie Croket, who is recently back from injury and not performing at a high enough standard yet, was left off the team.

The Belgian women have a final test coming up on April 3 as they face Romania and Germany at a friendly match in Mouscron, so this team is subject to change based on the results of this meet.

In order to qualify a full team to the Olympic Games, Belgium must finish in the top four among the eight teams at the test event in Rio de Janeiro next month. In 2012, the team came within a little over a point of qualifying to London, placing fifth with a 216.863 to Brazil’s 217.985.

This year, their strongest competition should come from Brazil, Romania, Germany, and France, with Australia, South Korea, and Switzerland also competing.

Article by Lauren Hopkins