Alesya Naifonova from Vladikavkaz became the champion in the all-around and ball exercises at the Tbilisi Cup.
After the competition, the gymnast shared her impressions and told what it means for her to represent Russia:
"I really liked it here; the atmosphere was very nice. The stands gave me a warm welcome. It's a great responsibility. I tried to do everything I've worked on, everything I know, to go out there and show my best. I really enjoy watching the competitions because every girl is interesting in her own way, each with her own unique personality. You can learn something from some of them. It's very interesting. Vladislava Sharonova has very beautiful programs, and she's very artistic."
Alesya also noted that her most artistic program is with a ball:
"In the old programs, we added artistic elements, but in the ball, it was already composed specifically for the music. All the accents and details are set to the music. It looks artistic."
And she thanked everyone who helped her with the preparation:
"I'd like to thank my coaches, Alina Ivanovna and Irina Nikolaevna, and my choreographer, Ekaterina Medorovna. And I'd also like to say a huge thank you to Alina Maratovna. Also, the Russian Gymnastics Federation and all the Academy staff. I'd also like to thank the fans. Thank you!"
Alesya is a member of the Russian National team and lives and trains at the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.