Rising star of gymnastics and Olympic hopeful dead at 16 as heartbroken coach says ‘you can’t find any words’
GYMNASTICS is in mourning after the heartbreaking passing of Mia Sophie Lietke.
The 16-year-old was a rising star in Germany‘s Gymnastics Federation and an Olympic hopeful.
Reports in Germany say the cause of death is currently under investigation.
However, a sudden cardiac arrest is suspected.
Lietke’s coach Magdalena Brzeska highlighted her work ethic and passion for the sport when speaking about her.
Brzeska said: “What can you say, you can’t find words. She was one of my first gymnasts when I came to Ulm.
“She was very talented, very hardworking, always gave 100 per cent in training. She had the love for the sport and also the passion.
“Her goal was the Olympics, and she did everything she could to achieve it.
“I’m sure she could have done the same. I can’t imagine what the family is going through now. It’s a very bad story.”
Lietke’s dedication, discipline, and ambition were said to be exemplary despite her young age.
She had hoped to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games.
Lietke had been part of the Berlin Federal Base for Rhythmic Gymnastics for six years and was training at the National Gymnastics Center in Fellbach-Schmiden from January.
In 2022 she became the German Junior Champion in hoop and was the overall runner-up.
Her accomplishments earned her the title of Berlin’s junior athlete of the month.