Fanni Pigniczki’s silver medal – which meant sports history for the Hungarian Rhythmic Gymnastics- was handed by Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Minister of Defence of Hungary. The minister said: this success crowned the whole EC.

“It is really good to organize an international event  because this success includes the heart, the soul and the applause of Hungarians. Everything was fantastic, I was lucky to see Fanni Pigniczki’s final and although it ended with a silver, for us this success gilded the whole European Championship.” – said the Minister.

Farid Gayibov, President of European Gymnastics (EG) was sure about the excellent Hungarian organization.

“I had no doubt that Budapest will again organize an unforgettable European Championship. They did not do it for the first time. It was an important event because before the Olympics this was the last prestigious competition. From the sports side of it, we saw high quality competition in the Hungarian capital.” – said Farid Gayibov.

Nicolas Boumpane, general secretary of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) emphasized the unique atmosphere of the European Championship.

“The atmosphere was amazing. It was great to see this EC. We developed great working relationships with the Hungarians and we weren’t disappointed still. We have great connection with Mr. Sándor Altorjai -secretary general of the Hungarian Federation. It was great to be a guest again in Hungary” -added the secretary general.

Sandor Altorjai, secretary general of the Hungarian Gymnastics Federation acted as co-president of the organizing committee of the European Championship.

“At the beginning of the event we already felt that everything was in its place. Every hardship that came up during the organisation was the past by then. The fundamental was the 2017 EC, we wanted to beat that continental competition. I’m glad Hungary was proven in this project also” – said Sandor Altorjai.

The 40th Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championship ended with a gala where an earth, fire, water and wind inspired dance show closed the event.