Ten members of the German women's team headed to Djerba, Tunisia for a well-deserved rest recently. The group that included 2006 European medallists Katja Abel (senior) as well as juniors Anja Brinker, Marie-Sophie Hindermann, Dorothee Henzler and Joeline Möbius spent two weeks relaxing and working on their suntans as guests of the four star Club Aldiana resort.

National team coach Ulla Koch had arranged the stay which allowed the group the run of the extensive sporting facilities and .... late night disco! But it wasn't all just fun and games - the gymnasts worked on strength and conditioning every day, including 7am runs on the beach. Any child staying at the club was welcome to join in the training sessions as well as ballet and dance in the afternoon. The gymnasts put on a special show for the guests and staff of the resort.

‘Team spirit and the strong impression the girls left on the 600 guests made for a fantastic atmosphere,’ Koch said, ‘We will start our preparations for the World Championships in Aarhus with a training camp in late July. The team is highly motivated and well on its way to meet the tasks awaiting them.’

Read an exclusive interview with Ulla Koch, the German women’s team coach only in issue 4 of Backflip. Hurry subscribe now!