Derwael's parents introduced her to gymnastics, believing it would be beneficial for her to engage in a sport. She trains with the Sta Paraat Hasselt club in Belgium under the guidance of her coach, Marjorie Heuls. Her training regime includes two daily sessions focusing on gymnastics and strength conditioning.

Achievements and Injuries

Derwael's most memorable sporting achievement is winning gold on uneven bars at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. She idolises US artistic gymnast Simone Biles. Despite facing several injuries, including a tendon injury to her knee and a big toe injury, she has continued to excel. In 2022, she won bronze on uneven bars at the World Championships in Liverpool.

Awards and Honours

Derwael has received numerous accolades throughout her career. She was named Belgian Sportswoman of the Year in 2018, 2019, and 2021. In October 2019, a gymnastics training hall was named after her in Sint-Truiden. She also received the National Trophy for Sports Merit and the Flemish Sports Jewel Award in 2018.

Milestones

Derwael made history by becoming the first artistic gymnast representing Belgium to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games with her victory on uneven bars in Tokyo 2020. She also became the first Belgian artistic gymnast to win gold at both the World Championships (2018) and European Championships (2017).

Personal Insights

Derwael has several superstitions and rituals, including mentally rehearsing her routines the night before competitions. Her sporting philosophy is to focus on her own performance rather than being influenced by others. Her father, Nico Derwael, played football for KRC Genk.

Named Elements

In December 2017, 'The Derwael/Fenton' was added to the Code of Points for uneven bars by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). In September 2021, 'Derwael II' was also included. Both elements are highly valued and showcase her technical prowess.

Hiatus and Return

After winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics, Derwael took a break from gymnastics but returned to training in mid-2022. She expressed that she still enjoys the sport and feels her body can handle it for a while longer.

Uneven Bars Connection

Derwael feels a unique connection with the uneven bars, describing it as a relationship where she communicates with the apparatus. She believes this connection helps her perform seamlessly during competitions.

Other Activities

In 2022, Derwael participated in the Belgian version of Dancing with the Stars and won the contest with her partner Jonatan Medart. She expressed surprise and joy at making it to the final and winning the competition.

Looking ahead, Derwael aims to compete at the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.