Day 1 Review: Asia D’amato Claims First Gold of Munich 2022

The first day of the European Championships Munich 2022 had the fans in for a treat from Königsplatz up to Olympiapark all the way to the Olympic Regatta Centre, whetting the appetite for 10 more days of sporting action and exciting medal decisions. The first gold was up for grabs in gymnastics, with Italy’s Asia D’Amato crowned champion in the individual all-around. 

© David Hecker / Munich 2022

GOLDEN GIRL

Asia D’Amato (ITA) has clinched the first gold medal of the European Championships Munich 2022 as she secured the individual all-around title on Thursday evening. The 19-year-old performed strong routines across all four apparatus to score 54.732 points. Alice Kinsella (GBR) took silver (54,132), with Italy’s Martina Maggio grabbing the bronze (53,965).  

“When I entered the competition, I knew that I could do a great job today,” D’Amato said. “Before my bars routine (the final event) I understood that it was possible for me to take the gold medal so I got a little nervous but I stayed strong and focused because I really wanted this medal. I think the first place is the right position for me in this competition." 

D’Amato became the second Italian to win the women’s all-around after Vanessa Ferrari in 2007. “I’m proud to receive this medal for Italy and to follow the success of my role model Vanessa,” she said.  

For a full review of Thursday’s gymnastics programme, click here.

(UN)KNOWN WATERS FOR ZEIDLER

Germany’s Oliver Zeidler learned to row at the Olympic Regatta Centre – but despite his familiarity with the course, he almost came to grief in his opening race at Munich 2022. 

Zeidler was left on the start as his competitors in the men’s single sculls set off without him, and he had to chase down Kristian Vasiliev (BUL) and Quentin Antognelli (MON) to eventually take the win and progression to the semifinals. 

“My oars hadn't been locked correctly, and there was a bit of uncertainty if the (starting) gates are already open behind me,” Zeidler said afterwards.  

"I've done more than 1,000 starts here at the course, and this was definitely one of the worst. But we should concentrate on the result, it was a win and I could save one race tomorrow. Very important in these headwind conditions." 

Read up on day 1 at the European Rowing Championships here.

© Thomas Niedermüller / Munich 2022

PLEASING THE HOME CROWD

In track cycling, the German women rode the waves of an enthusiastic home crowd and qualified first for both the team sprint and team pursuit events.  

Lisa Brennauer (GER), who will retire after having competed on both the track and the road at Munich 2022, definitely enjoyed the start of her final campaign as a pro cyclist. 

“It’s so incredibly beautiful. Everything is so close to my hometown, just super. You could feel the excitement and the noise in the hall when everybody cheered us on.”

Click here for an extended review.

JANJA ON TOP

The stunning architecture at Königsplatz provided for the perfect backdrop as Europe’s best sport climbers started their quest for European glory in the heart of Munich.  

While the men competed in boulder, the women took on the qualification in lead climbing, that means rope climbing. Each athlete had to complete two routes within six minutes. Only one climber managed a top either of the routes: Janja Garnbret from Slovenia. The Olympic champion proved once again that she is might just be unbeatable.  

Second-placed Jessica Pilz from Austria also thinks so. "It's inspiring to watch her, but you can't really compare yourself to her because she's just climbing at a completely different level," she says, saying what many think out loud. Slovenia's Mia Krampl completed the qualifying podium, placing third. 

For further information, please click here.

COOL AND COMPOSED

BMX freestyle park got underway on Olympiaberg with the qualifying, providing for plenty of suspense. The reigning European champion Anthony Jeanjean of France secured the top spot on the leaderboard in the men’s qualification. The fact that the Frenchman was this calm and collected was especially mesmerizing as the Olympic silver medallist Declan Brooks (GBR) crashed right before it was Jeanjean's turn. Sadly, Brooks had to pull out of the competition and did not compete his second run. 

Title holder Nikita Ducarroz of Switzerland and Olympic champion Charlotte Worthington of Great Britain cruised through the women’s qualification with ease and onto the top of the leaderboard, which saw eight riders advance to the final. The field features three German riders in Rebecca Gruhn, Kim Müller and Lara Lessmann, much to the delight of the home fans. 

Find out more on the first day of BMX freestyle action here.

© Daniel Kopatsch / Munich 2022