How do gymnasts feel when they represent the International Clubs Association? Alexandra Borisova and Anna Vakulenko talk about it
The Academy gymnasts performed at the international Golden Cup tournament in Slovakia.
Alexandra Borisova took second place in the all-around, in exercises with clubs and ribbon. After the performance, she shared how gymnasts feel when they represent the Sky Grace International Clubs Association.
"The conditions at this tournament are good. The organizers are also very nice. All the spectators here supported us, clapped, shouted. It is a great responsibility to represent the Association at these competitions and in different countries and cities. It gives confidence that we are one big team. We watched the juniors today, tried to support them somehow, to encourage them. They did the same. We went out onto the court, onto the platform, and they shouted for us, clapped too. I don’t like to evaluate the level of competitors, but I will say that everyone competes against themselves and you have to overcome yourself every time."
Anna Vakulenko became the winner in the ribbon exercise, the second in the ball, and the third in the all-around and hoop. The athlete appreciated her performance and thanked Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva and the entire Academy team for the opportunity.
"I don’t rate my performance very well, there is something to work on. I will continue to work, correct everything, as the coaches tell me. I really like performing on the international stage because it is a completely different experience, completely different competitions, different gymnasts. We compete by the same rules, but in each country it is different. It a very big responsibility not to let down Sky Grace, our team, and to show what we are capable of. Many thanks to Alina Kabaeva for giving us the opportunity to participate here, to all our coaches, to our team, for being here."
Our gymnasts do not need a neutral status for participation because this is a club tournament and the girls were invited to perform as athletes of the Sky Grace International Clubs Association.