Austrian gymnast Charlize Mörz skipped one from accolade to the next in 2024, during which she won the World Cup overall series title on floor exercise, qualified for and competed at the Paris Olympic Games, and was voted Female Gymnast of the Year in her country.
The 18-year-old Mörz, who has new goals in sight for 2025, shared her thoughts in this International Gymnast Online interview.
IGO: Where were you when you learned the news that you were named Austria’s female Gymnast of the Year?
CM: I was at home when I found out. Of course I was delighted about this news. I set myself a lot of goals last year and achieved them as well. That made me extremely happy. Now getting an award like that makes me feel even happier and prouder. It also gives me a lot of confidence for the year 2025.
IGO: Looking back on 2024, what were your personal highlights?
CM: My personal highlight was the World Cup in Cottbus. The moment when I saw my score and realized that I just won my first international medal will forever be unforgettable. That was truly a wonderful memory for me, as it has always been a big dream of mine. I never felt so much joy in gymnastics. Competing with all these amazing and talented gymnasts at the Olympics and joining the competition with them was also a unique experience and an unforgettable memory for me.
IGO: How are you preparing your routines for the new Code of Points?
CM: Of course it is always difficult to stick to new guidelines but I think we are handling it right because we are a great team, we work hard and we always try to do the best. That is why I see it positively. We made a few changes and added some new elements into my program, especially on floor. I got a new routine with new music.
IGO: What’s next on your competition agenda?
CM: My next competition is expected to be the World Challenge Cup in Osijek (in April) as a good preparation and one in which I can go back into the competition mode again.
International Gymnast Online’s other features on Austrian gymnasts include: