EXCLUSIVE: Melissa Diete on her success at European Championships

Melissa Diete debuted internationally as a junior in 2026, competing at Miss Valentine, Gymnastics International, and Gdynia Stars before being selected to represent Germany at the European championships in Varna, Bulgaria, where she performed excellently, winning silver with ball and bronze with ribbon.

Following her success, Melissa Diete gave an exclusive interview to the Rhythmic Report, sharing her experience at Varna. 

What mindset did you enter the competition with?

“I competed with the mindset of performing my routines cleanly and hoping that they would please both the audience and the judges. At the same time, it was important to me to represent my country, Germany, with dignity and pride. Of course, you feel pressure, and you probably often put even more pressure on yourself than anyone else. But once it really mattered, I was able to let go, focus on the moment, and simply show what I can do. My mindset was to deliver exactly what I had trained and prepared over many years.”

What were your expectations before the competition?

“My expectations before the competition were mainly to perform my routine cleanly and simply show my best. It is something very special to take part in a European Championship and to be able to represent Germany on such a big stage. That was my focus. Of course you always dream of a medal, but I did not go into the competition with the expectation of having to win one. I knew the competition was strong and in some cases much more experienced than me. At the same time, I understood that a medal was possible if I performed my routine cleanly and the way I had prepared it in training. The fact that I actually ended up winning a medal makes me incredibly happy and proud.”

What went through your mind when you stood on the podium and realized that you had won a European Championship medal?

“Honestly, in that moment I still hadn’t really realized it. And even today I can sometimes hardly believe it. It was an indescribable feeling to stand on the podium, and I was incredibly proud of what I had achieved. This medal means a lot to me because behind it are many years of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice both from me and my dear coach. Today I understand even more that this mindset was exactly the right one: going into the competition without expectations, enjoying the moment, and simply showing my best.

For this feeling, I would always make every single sacrifice again! In that moment, everything was worth it.”

What does it mean to you to represent Germany and be a member of the national team?

“Being able to represent Germany at international competitions is a great honor for me. I am proud to represent my country on this stage.

What makes me especially proud is showing that even in Germany, despite different conditions compared to some nations, it is possible to compete at the highest level. Being part of the national team means responsibility, pride, and the motivation to give my best every day. I want to represent Germany with dignity and show what is possible with hard work, passion, and discipline.”

Is there a favorite moment from the competition, either on or off the competition floor?

"My favorite moment was, of course, the medal ceremony. But what also stayed in my memory is the moment in the Kiss and Cry after my performance. Sharing the joy with my team and feeling the support from everyone there was incredibly beautiful. Moments like these are what make this sport so special and will stay in my memory for a long time.”

What was the biggest challenge for you during the competition?

"The biggest challenge for me was my nervousness before my performance. Before such an important competition, many thoughts naturally come to your mind: What happens if I lose? What happens if I don’t make the final? What happens if I don’t win anything? What happens if I can’t show my routines the way I prepared them? There are many “what if” thoughts. For me, the biggest challenge was not thinking about them at all and instead focusing only on my routines and presenting them as well as possible."

What are your goals for the future in rhythmic gymnastics?

“My goal is to develop myself both athletically and personally. I want to increase my difficulty further, fully develop my potential, and grow both physically and mentally. In doing so, I especially want to gain more calmness and self-confidence in order to show my abilities in important moments in the best possible way. To perform my routines consistently and cleanly. A big dream is to continue representing Germany at European and World Championships and hopefully, one day at the Olympic Games.”

Which gymnasts inspire you the most?

"Many gymnasts inspire me. I would not say I have fixed role models, but rather that every athlete brings something special from which you can learn. In some, I admire expression and elegance, in others, mental strength, difficulty, or the way they present themselves on the floor."

"I am especially inspired by Darja Varfolomeev, Stiliana Nikolova, and Alina Harnasko. What impresses me about Darja is her mental strength as well as the clean and expressive execution of her routines. Stiliana fascinates me with her dynamics, speed, and presence. I admire Alina's passion for the sport and the special difficulties and elements she shows in her routines. I try to take inspiration from every gymnast and take the best for my own path."

If you had to describe the European Championships in one word, what would it be?

“Bangaranga!!”

Congratulations, Melissa, and best of luck for your future!