class=”sc-3778e872-0 cKDKQr”>
Although Eddy Yusof (28) will only compete on bridge with bridge, rings and pommel horse at the European Championships in Antalya, the fact that the Zurich-born can compete in title fights again is a success for him. A period of suffering will come to an end at this week’s European Championships in Antalya as Yusof returns to a major competition for the first time since the Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
He has had back problems for years. “I thought several times that there was no point anymore,” Yusof openly admits. Last summer, while preparing for the European Championships in Munich, he shot in the back during an exercise on the horizontal bar. After landing, he immediately notices how his muscles contract. He writhes on the floor in pain. Goodbye EM and WK.
problems since 2019
Even everyday life becomes a torture. Long train journeys or an evening at the cinema are uncomfortable. He is happiest when he goes home after physio or training and can lie comfortably on the couch. But Yusof does not give up, partly thanks to his physiotherapist. “He told me that the decision to retire is made in the gym – not at home when you have to take a forced break.”
Yusof takes the advice to heart and fights back. “There are still bad days,” said the Zurich native. But he has his back problems under control now. As a result of his problems, he initially refrains from training on the vault and floor, as these cause the most back blows. Also in Antalya Yusof will not participate in the horizontal bar.
The problems started back in 2019. Due to a hernia, triggered by the high stress, the adjacent vertebrae became inflamed again and again. Yusof bites his teeth because the Olympic Games in Tokyo are his big goal. The pain is worth it. Together with Pablo Brägger, Benjamin Gischard and Christian Baumann, he manages the historic 6th place with the team, he also manages to reach the individual final in the all-around.
The name Yusof stands for stability
Yusof has been the fixed value in the selection of STV for years, which has managed to remain at the top of the world for years. “His name stands for stability,” says national coach Claudio Capelli. Yusof almost always delivers. Others like Pablo Brägger or Oliver Hegi are more in the spotlight due to their individual successes, but Yusof is the team player par excellence. When it comes down to it, you can count on him.
Yusof should also give this stability to the current team. Most recently, at the World Cup in Liverpool last fall, there was a lull in international title fights for the first time in a long time. Yusof is important to the team thanks to his experience. “I hope he steers us in the right direction,” Capelli said.
The minimum goal at the European Championship is a 13th place, which entitles you to participate in the World Cup. Capelli speaks of an 8th place, while Yusof does not hide his ambitions. “Fifth place in the team is in my head,” said the man from Zurich, who, with a perfect practice, also plays with the idea of participating in the final with bridge bars. He sees the European Championship as a benchmark – also for the team that surprised a year ago in Munich with a fourth place. Objectively, the current team is no longer as strong as the previous one, says Yusof. “But just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s any worse.”
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
