Rea Lenders
Athlete / Winner 2013

As a young girl at the beginning of my trampoline career— probably under the age of 10—I competed in the Flower Cup every year. It was the biggest trampoline competition in the Netherlands, and it still is. There were always many gymnasts, judges, and volunteers helping to make the event a success.

The Flower Cup was always a competition to look forward to. The level was incredibly high, and many international gymnasts came to Aalsmeer to compete, aiming to reach the finals and win a beautiful Flower Cup medal.

In 2012, I competed in my second Olympic Games in London. After that, I took a long break to reflect and figure out my next goal. I decided to go for my third Olympic cycle, and in March 2013, I competed once again in the Flower Cup in Aalsmeer.

I was there with my coach, Lennard Villafuerte, and it turned out to be my last competition with him as my coach. I simply did my thing—performed my routines, made it to the finals— and in the finals, I executed my routines again and finished in first place! It was my first Flower Cup victory and a wonderful farewell to my coach, Lennard Villafuerte.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who has been involved over the years in making the Flower Cup such a fantastic event. I think the Netherlands will truly miss such a great competition.

Big hugs, Andrea (Rea) Lenders