German coach Gabriele Frehse is retiring with a historic success for Austrian women's gymnastics. Under her guidance, Charlize Mörz became the first Austrian ever to reach a world championship final at the world championships in Jakarta. One day before Frehse's 65th birthday this Saturday, the 20-year-old will be competing for the medals on vault and is one of seven rivals to the German European champion Karina Schönmaier (Chemnitz).
"Cool," said Frehse, "that makes me very proud. A nice finish." Two hearts will be beating in her chest at the vault final. On the one hand, she wants the best possible success for her protégé Mörz. On the other hand, she will also be keeping her fingers crossed for Schönmaier, who competes for TuS Chemnitz-Altendorf, where Frehse is Managing Director. "Karina is fighting for a medal. Charlize is happy that she made it and is trying to show such a beautiful routine again," she said.
"Making it to the final was a huge surprise for me. Gabi and I are just delighted and we are both happy," said Charlize Mörz. This makes Frehse's imminent departure all the more difficult for her. The chemistry between them was right from the start and she was able to learn an incredible amount from her. "I'm very happy that she was there. Of course I'm sad that Gabi is leaving," admitted the 20-year-old. The gymnasts trusted her right from the start. "She showed us how to achieve success."
