The rhythmic gymnastics history books are being rewritten at the Festhalle in so many ways, and none more so than by Luna Birjawi. The 15-year-old became the first Lebanese gymnast to compete at a senior World Championships since Alisa Sadek in 2019 — an achievement the Beirut-native feels deeply.
“It's been so important for me to represent my country on such a stage, especially that it's the first time,” she said.
“I was very honoured to be at the World Championships, especially after everything that has happened in Lebanon after the war. Of course, it was difficult to prepare because most of the gym was closed most of the time, but thank God we made it eventually.”
With such a challenging training environment, Birjawi explained it has taken the support of many people to get her to these Championships.
“My family, my friends, especially my gym friends. I love them so much,” she smiled.
“I couldn’t have done it without them today because they supported me through everything. They've been with me through everything. My mum, who's always been there for me and helped me and even got me here. I'm so thankful for them and my coach.”
The teenager’s family and friends were not able to travel to Frankfurt to support her, but the thousands of fans who attended the two-day Individual Qualification competition in Frankfurt were happy to step up.
“The audience was amazing. It helped me gain confidence more than I have had, and I was thankful for that. It felt so nice to have a crowd supporting me also, especially as my family can't be here or my friends.”
And it’s not just the audience that Birjawi has been excited to see. The debutant was drawn in the same qualifying group as the now-three world champion - and reigning Olympic champion - Darja Varfolomeev.
“I have many favourite gymnasts, many. I love Taisiia (Onofriichuk) and I love Darja so much. I'm very proud that I'm standing next to her, sharing the carpet with her, and it feels like, wow, it's a nice experience.”
With her first World Championships experience now behind her, the Lebanese has her eyes firmly on bigger goals ahead.
“I would love to one day to go to the Olympics. I would love that. And to make my family and country proud. I'm very happy that I'm here representing my country. It's been an honour.”
