Alesya Naifonova shares her impressions after the performance at the international Aura Cup tournament in Croatia

Alesya Naifonova from Vladikavkaz shared her impressions after her performance at the international Aura Cup tournament in Croatia:

"I felt very comfortable performing here. The support from the stands and the audience was incredibly warm. It was a real pleasure to hear such kind words. The venue has a great atmosphere, and the arena is huge."

She talked about the preparation and noted which exercise turned out the best:

"We prepared for this tournament by putting together clean run-throughs, breaking down every step, refining the routines, practicing the high-risk elements, and adding artistic flair. My coaches told me that I always need to give it my all right up to the very end of the routine — that there are no insignificant details. Alina Maratovna also said that I need to stay focused from start to finish, that every detail matters, and that I have to keep working hard the whole way through. I think the clubs routine turned out the best; it had the highest difficulty, and I managed to pull it off."

The gymnast also thanked the coaching staff of the Academy and Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva for their support and assistance:

"I would like to thank the entire Academy staff, my coaches Alina Ivanovna and Irina Nikolaevna, and the choreographer Ekaterina Medorovna. I also want to thank Alina Maratovna for her support, guidance, and assistance."

Alesya’s coaches are Alina and Irina Gusarova, and her choreographer is Ekaterina Belova. The gymnast is a member of the Russian National team and she lives and trains at the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.