Like father, like son: Luca Giubellini follows in his father’s footsteps

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The name Giubellini is immortalized in the history books of the STV. Daniel Giubellini (54) won gold in the parallel bars at the European home championships in Lausanne in 1990 and was later honored as athlete of the year. The highlight of his career was participation in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.

Following in his father’s footsteps, son Luca Giubellini (20) currently lives in Antwerp. This is part of the STV squad that secured their Olympic ticket thanks to their strong performances in World Cup qualifying.

Gym, instead of a swimming pool

It is clear that Luca found his way to gymnastics as a five-year-old. “I liked it and stayed.” But he was never pressured by his parents, says de Filius. «Gymnastics is the perfect total package. It is varied and risky. You can always try new things and sometimes you have to overcome yourself.”

It quickly becomes clear that the child has talent. Instead of spending Wednesday afternoon at the pool with friends, Luca trains in the gym. “As a child I had to forego many things, but it was worth it for me. Because that’s what you need if you want to reach the top.”

The sacrifice is worth it. Luca and his sister Chiara (17) have been in the Magglingen national team for over a year. During the week, the two live with their father Daniel in a shared apartment in Biel. Luca’s younger brother Matteo (18) is also talented. When the family is reunited with mother Sabine and youngest son Elio at home in Aargau at the weekend, gymnastics obviously plays a major role. “But there are certainly meals where it is not discussed at the table,” says Luca.

Not a classic all-rounder

He describes his relationship with his father as a normal father-son relationship. “He is my father first – and not my mental coach.” Luca also has other strengths in gymnastics. “I’m not a classic all-rounder,” says Giubellini. His parade equipment is vault, floor and horse.

Thanks to his strengths, he has a good chance of also being at the start in Paris. Participating in the Olympic Games would be a boyhood dream come true. “The Olympic Games are the biggest event in our sport. I have been working towards this goal for years.”

Source : Blick