Experts anticipate that Laura Casabuena will be a focal point in the international panorama of artistic gymnastics in the coming years. The Alcoy-born gymnast is set to debut for the Spanish team at the European Championship this Thursday, following Spain’s runner-up finish and a team bronze at the Mediterranean Games. A familiar face joins her, Nestor Abad, also from Alcoy, who returns after a heart-related setback that briefly halted his training. Alcoyano, for his part, is preparing for action next week.
Casabuena drew early attention at the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Koper, Slovenia, last June, where she reached two apparatus finals. Representing Club Gimnàstica Alcoi El Pastoret, the young athlete delivered a standout performance in her World Cup debut. In the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics all-around rankings, Casabuena placed 9th on vault (12.425), 15th on the uneven bars (10.700), 4th on floor (12.850), and 6th on parallel bars (12.850), qualifying for finals in the latter two events.
In the parallel bars final, Casabuena finished fifth, while she claimed seventh in the floor exercise final, signaling a strong start to her World Cup journey. At only 16 years old, she demonstrated the level she has developed after her first year at university, balancing studies at the Madrid High Performance Center with a rising role as a key pillar of the women’s artistic gymnastics team.
This season marks a pivotal period for gymnastics teams, featuring three major events: the Mediterranean Games in Oran, the European Championship, and the World Championship. These competitions are expected to help seed the first rounds that determine Olympic qualification, with the season culminating in Liverpool later this year as the qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Competing in the senior category at a continental event marks Casabuena’s first major appearance in that division, following her World Cup debut in June where she posted impressive results. In the Spanish championship, only Olympic veteran Alba Petisco outscored her, with Casabuena tallying 50.900 points to Petisco’s 51.600 in the all-around. Casabuena especially shone on floor and uneven bars, delivering standout performances that earned her top scores in those routines.
On the men’s side, Olympic gymnast Néstor Abad is eagerly anticipating his European appearance after a myocarditis temporarily interrupted his training for four months. He resurfaced at the Spanish championship and achieved an admirable fourth place. The Alcoy athlete captured silver on the rings and bronze on the bars, underscoring his return to form and the depth of talent in the Alcoy cohort.
Néstor Abad, 10th in the World Cup.
Cesar Hernandez
Abad has candidly acknowledged the period when medical investigations produced no clear heart diagnosis even as arrhythmic episodes and fainting raised concerns. His recovery has been steady, and he is back to full training, aiming to finish among the elite in his specialty at the upcoming European championships.
After returning to competition, Abad rejoined Spain for the national championships and immediately looked toward the continent. The European Championships remain a vital step toward regaining peak form and maintaining momentum heading into the next season’s major challenges.