Faroese Gymnastics Association questioned over national team coaching selection

The Faroese Gymnastics Association is facing criticism over its decision to exclude the coach who led the women’s national team to its best-ever Island Games performance from its new coaching setup, Kringvarp Føroya reports.

At the 2023 Island Games, the Faroese gymnastics team secured 15 gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals. However, Camelia Mihaela Mindricel, who coached the women’s team to its historic results, has not been included in the association’s newly announced coaching team for the 2027 games. The omission has raised concerns at Havnar Fimleikafelag, the Tórshavn gymnastics club where Mindricel works daily.

Anna Margit Dalsgaard, coordinator for the club’s competitive teams, suggested there may be unresolved issues between Mindricel and the association. She warned that uncertainty over coaching selections could discourage gymnasts aiming for elite performance. According to the association’s 2025 annual report, a key goal is to raise standards for both athletes and coaches, but Dalsgaard emphasised that elite-level coaching requires strong mutual trust.

The Faroese Gymnastics Association’s chair, Pól Esper Hansen, declined to comment when approached by Kringvarp Føroya.