Nina Derwael is an Olympic, World, and European champion in artistic gymnastics, known for her exceptional skill on the uneven bars and balance beam, making her an influential figure for sports endorsements and motivational engagements. After becoming the first Belgian female gymnast to win a European Championship gold medal on uneven bars in 2017, Nina Derwael continued to make history by securing a bronze medal on uneven bars at the 2017 World Championships, marking the first time a Belgian female gymnast medaled at the event. Her unique skill, the ‘Derwael-Fenton,’ was officially recognized in the 2017 Code of Points, solidifying her innovative impact on the sport. Earlier in her senior career, despite a hand injury, she competed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, placing 19th in the all-around.
Following a period of recuperation from knee and shoulder injuries, Derwael made a remarkable return to competition, earning a bronze medal on uneven bars at the 2022 World Championships. In 2024, she successfully qualified for her third Olympic Games by securing an Olympic quota via outstanding performances on balance beam at the Doha and Baku World Cups. Her comeback culminated in 2025 with two more European titles, winning gold medals on both uneven bars and balance beam at the European Championships. On July 15, 2025, Derwael officially announced her retirement from competitive gymnastics, a decision made to safeguard her long-term physical well-being after years of elite-level training.
As an Olympic, World, and European champion, Nina Derwael remains a highly influential figure for sports endorsements and motivational engagements, recognized for her groundbreaking skill on the uneven bars and balance beam, and her legacy as a trailblazer for Belgian gymnastics.