Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva congratulated the Russian gymnasts on their victory at the AEON Cup World Club Championship
Olympic champion and President of the Sky Grace International Association, Alina Kabaeva, congratulated the Russian gymnasts on their victory at the AEON Cup World Club Championship:
"I congratulate our girls — Yana Zaikina from Volgograd, Mariia Borisova from St. Petersburg, and Sofia Ilteryakova from Moscow — on their victory at the AEON Cup World Club Championship! Congratulations to coaches Irina Gusarova, Natalya Glemba, Evgeniya Eliseeva, and Olga Minigalina, and choreographers Ekaterina Sergeeva, Ekaterina Belova, and Elena Egorova, who put so much effort, hard work, and love into preparing the athletes. Behind every such victory lies the immense work of an entire team.
I remember Sofia Ilteryakova competing in the Sky Grace Cup tournament last year and winning the silver medal in the junior all-around. Sonya is a partner of the Sky Grace International Association, represents it at the World Club Championship and has already won the tournament as a senior, that is how the circle has come full unbroken. Thanks to her performance at the Sky Grace Cup tournament, Sonya's talent was also recognized in the Russian national team. For me, this is a very important example of how our Association opens the path to new heights for athletes. And it is so gratifying to see that this journey continues!
Yana Zaikina did a great job! She not only helped the team secure the victory but also won gold in the junior all-around. Yana, I know how much labor stands behind your result. Keep it up!
Mariia Borisova has been demonstrating a high level of mastery for several years now, decently representing our country and the Association on the international stage. Masha won silver in the individual all-around, earned the highest score of this year's tournament, and set a new personal best on the international arena. My congratulations!
Last year, our gymnasts competed under a neutral status and won silver in the team standings. And this year, they took first place under the Russian flag! These are special emotions for all of us.
My thanks go to the athletes for their character, mastery, and will to win. I thank the coaches for their professionalism, patience, and faith in their students. This victory is a shared success, and I am confident that our gymnasts have many more brilliant achievements ahead!"