A 16-year-old Olympic hopeful gymnast has dropped dead of an apparent heart attack stunning fans of the sport.
Rising star Mia Sophie Lietke had expected to be part of Germany’s Los Angeles Olympics squad in 2028.
Her death was announced by the German Gymnastics Association on 20th November.
Reports in Germany say she is believed to have suffered a heart attack but the official cause of death is still being investigated.
Mia’s coach, Magdalena Brzeska, 45, told German media: “What can you say, you can’t find any words.
“She was one of my first gymnasts when I came to Ulm.
“She was very talented, very hard-working and always gave 100 per cent in training.
“She had the love for the sport and also the passion.
“Her goal was the Olympics and she did everything to achieve it. I’m sure she could have done it too.
“I can’t imagine what the family is going through now. A really bad story.”
The German Gymnastics Association said in a statement: “Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mia’s family in these difficult hours, to whom we wish all the strength in the world to be able to deal with this sad event.”
Mia was acknowledged as a huge talent in rhythmic gymnastics where athletes combine acrobatic feats with dancing.
For six years, she was a member of the Berlin Federal Base for Rhythmic Gymnastics. She became the Junior Champion in hoop in Germany in 2022.
She was also named Berlin’s junior athlete of the month.
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
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