Up and coming German star Daria Bijak has had to withdraw from the European Team Championships, scheduled for May 19-20 in Riesa, Germany. Sources in German gymnastics reported that the 15-year-old twisted her foot two weeks ago and is on crutches. Bijak, who represents the TVE Greven club, will most likely be replaced by Cologne native Lisa Brüggemann, who has enjoyed a very succesful season so far.

Also out of action temporarily is Swiss gymnast Annik Salzmann, a regular on the Grand Prix circuit. Salzmann was diagnosed with a double stress fracture in her foot according to a source close to her. That means a break until late June but she hopes to make a full recovery in time for the World Championships to be held in Ghent, Belgium, end of October.

ötzi