Highlights of a Performance Troupe from Switzerland

What’s life about after Elite Men’s Artistic Gymnastics?

There exists a multitude of career avenues accessible to gymnasts. Training is notably rigorous, commencing as early as the age of four or five, and those gymnasts who aspire to pursue the elite trajectory must adeptly manage the stresses inherent in competing at the highest levels, which ultimately imposes significant demands on their bodies.

In men’s artistic gymnastics, athletes typically conclude their competitive careers in their late 20s, although certain specialists extend their careers into their late 30s. Upon retirement, gymnasts can continue their involvement in the sport by undertaking roles as coaches, judges, or contributing to the governance of their respective federations.

Or they can become Flying Gym Boys….

Who are The Flying Gym Boys?

The Flying Gym Boys are a performance troupe based in Switzerland that specializes in gymnastics, comprised of a diverse assemblage of former artistic gymnastics professionals and elite male athletes. The team currently comprises 15 members, collectively possessing an impressive total of over 200 years of experience in the sport. Active for several years, they have recently integrated seven new athletes into their ranks.

(Source: Getty)

This synthesis of seasoned veterans and emerging talents creates a distinctive dynamic and energy within the group. Their primary objectives include maintaining physical fitness through regular training and consistently ensuring that the quality of their performances remains at a high standard. As a performance troupe, their aim is to captivate audiences by narrating a story through a harmonious blend of comedy, spectacle, and gymnastics.

Their Performances

Their objective is to present an engaging performance that artfully combines gymnastics on the parallel bars and floor. They also strive to perpetually introduce novel and innovative elements into their presentations to ensure ongoing surprise and delight for the viewers.

Currently, their show program is titled “Wilhelm Tell,” which illustrates the narrative of a legendary Swiss hero who defied tyranny by shooting an apple off his son’s head using a crossbow, thereby highlighting themes of courage and liberation.

Who are the Flying Gym Boys?

Contact: Theflyinggymboys.ch

Oliver

Oliver Hegi (31) started men’s artistic gymnastics at the age of 6. At 18 he became a member of the Swiss national team and competed at the European and World Championships for about 10 years. His biggest achievement was to win the gold medal on high bar at the 2018 European Championships. He was also the silver medal on this apparatus the year before. But his most memorable moment was to compete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. After retiring, he joined the Flying Gym Boys.

Dario

Dario Brühlmann (27) started practicing artistic gymnastics at the age of 6 and progressed to the junior national team. At 19, joined The Flying Gym Boys show group.

Valentin

Valentin Gerber (25) started men’s artistic gymnastics at the age of 6. After a break from the sport, he rediscovered his passion for gymnastics at 19, and has particularly been focusing on floor and vault. He joined the group in 2023.

Nico

Nico Neeser (25) began men’s artistic gymnastics at the age of 5. He became a member of the Swiss junior national team, and one of his most memorable accomplishments was winning the Swiss championship title in 2010. Unfortunately, due to injuries, he was forced to retire from gymnastics. He discovered amateur sport and since 2023, he has also been able to experience many incredible show moments on stage with The Flying Gym Boys.

Timo Schmidt

Timo Schmidt (23) started gymnastics at the age of 6. and has been a member of the group for 2 years. 

Timo Schneider

Timo Schneider (28),also started gymnastics at the age of 6 and joined the group in 2015. 

Manuel

Manuel Schmid (27) is a former artistic gymnast and has been with the Flying Gym Boys for 6 years. He oversees the program and leads the training sessions.

Cyrill

Cyrill Hui (19) started artistic gymnastics at the age of 6. At 13 he transitioned to the amateur league of gymnastics in Switzerland and still takes part to in various competitions in Switzerland today. In 2023, he joined the Flying Gym Boys.

Maurice

Maurice Walther (19) is a former artistic gymnast. He still competes in the amateur league in Switzerland and joined the group in 2023.

Severin

Severin Rohrer (32) is the “flying president” of the group. As a former artistic gymnast, he was a member of the Swiss national team and now serves as both a leader and performer for The Flying Gym Boys.

Lino

Lino Neeser (22) has been involved in gymnastics his entire life, and his passion for the sport is evident in everything he does. Lino is the creative mind behind the troupe’s social media and content production, expertly crafting videos and pictures that capture the energy and essence of the group. Lino is also Nico’s brother, adding a familial touch to the team dynamics.

Luis

Luis Harder (20) is still actively competing in men’s artistic gymnastics in Switzerland. His impressive athleticism and ongoing involvement in competitive gymnastics bring a fresh, dynamic energy to The Flying Gym Boys. Balancing his competitive career with his performances, Luis continually pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on stage, adding an extra layer of excitement to the troupe’s shows.

Jonas

Jonas Binder (24) joined the Flying Gym Boys this year and quickly integrated into the group, enhancing their performances in record time. As a former artistic gymnast, Jonas brings a wealth of experience to the team. He also serves as a youth coach at a gymnastics club, demonstrating his passion for the sport and his commitment to fostering the next generation of athletes.

(Source: theflyinggymboys.ch)

What’s next?

Two new members are joining the group:

Christian

Christian Baumann’s journey in men’s artistic gymnastics began 18 years ago when, at just 11 years old, he competed in his first Swiss Championship as a junior and placed 10th in the all-around in the P2 category. His rise was swift—four years later, he became the Swiss Junior Champion in the P5 category, securing victories in floor, pommel horse, and rings as well. As a senior, Christian continued to dominate, earning multiple Swiss Championship titles on parallel bars (2015, 2018, 2023) and floor (2021).

Internationally, his talent shone bright, winning a gold medal on horizontal bar and a bronze on vault at the 2011 European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF). At the senior level, Christian contributed to numerous team successes and claimed several individual medals, including bronze on pommel horse and parallel bars at the 2016 and 2021 European Championships held in Switzerland. His accomplishments highlight his consistent excellence over the years, making him a valuable addition to the Flying Gym Boys.

Gianluca

Gianluca Hartmann (19) is an active artistic gymnast from the canton of Aargau. He recently competed in the Swiss Championships, achieving impressive results.

External link: Theflyinggymboys.ch
Other info: Understanding Men’s Artistic Gymnastics