The 2016 Dutch Open: the last Olympic trial!

On Saturday, our gymnasts will compete in the Netherlands, at the 2016 Dutch Open, a last Olympic trial. The women's team and the man's representative will then be announced on June 29th. Find out here all the criteria to qualify for the Olympic Games!

KNGU.nl
The wait is almost over. In 10 days, we'll know the name of the gymnasts selected to represent Belgium at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. But first, they will have to compete one more time to earn their spot.

On Saturday, they will travel to Rotterdam for the Dutch Championships. If they meet the expectations, they could earn a spot on the team immediately. If not, they will have to wait until June 29th. Let's find out what those criteria are.

On the men's side, Jimmy Verbaeys (Blauwput Omnisport), Maxime Gentges (Gymclub Malmedy), Daan Kenis (Turnkring De Eik Lommel), Florian Landuyt (Sportac Deinze), Bram Louwije (Turnkring Vlamertinge), Dennis Goossens (TK Kerels Waasmunster), Siemon Volkaert (GymMAX vzw) and Kristof SchroĆ© ('t Spagaatje Hoogstraten) will be in the Netherlands. 

There are 3 ways for them to qualify for the Olympics:
* The priority will go to event specialists. They will have to reach a certain score to make it to the Olympics: 15.310 on floor, 15.382 on pommel horse, 15.588 on rings, 15.088 on vault (2-vaults average), 15.544 on parallel bars and 15.033 on horizontal bar.
* If an all-arounder scores 87 281 this Saturday, he will automatically earn his spot for the Games.
* If none of the two criteria above are met, the best all-around gymnast in Rotterdam will represent Belgium in Rio.

If more than one gymnasts meet the requirement, the Federation will be the one choosing the gymnast representing Belgium at the Games and will send the name to the Olympic committee for approval.

Credit: GymFed
On the women's side, 9 gymnasts are in contention to make the team (5 gymnasts + 3 alternates): Nina Dewael (TK PHH-Sta Paraat Hasselt), Senna Deriks (Gymgroep AS), Rune Hermans (Gym Haacht), Axelle Klinckaert (GymMAX), Gaelle Mys (OTV Nazareth), Cindy Vandenhole (Vaste Vuist Lauwe), Laura Waem (Sportiva Sint-Gillis-Waas), Julie Meyers (TK PHH-Sta Paraat Hasselt) and Julie Croket (GymMAX vzw). Unfortunately, Jelle Beullens has to undergo another surgery on June 27th and is out of the selection procedure. We wish her all the best and a speedy recovery!

The girls competed in an internal test on Friday and the Dutch Open is the last selection competition for them. If a gymnast scores more than 56 points in the all-around in Rotterdam, she will automatically earn her spot in the team. The final selection will be made on June 29th and will be announced to the press on that day, along with the name of the male representative.

The girls will then go on a training camp in Toulouse and will compete in a friendly meet in Germany against the host country, Switzerland, France and Romania.

Credit: GymFed
The Dutch Open: all you need to know
When?
Saturday 25th June at 15:15

Where?
Ahoy Rotterdam
Ahoy-weg 10
Rotterdam

I don't know if there will be a livestream or a livescore yet, but I'll be in Rotterdam and I'll try to update you as much as I can.

Official event website here

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