"This is a great incentive and motivation for gymnasts." Evgeniya Kanaeva - about Crystal Rose

Two-time Olympic champion Evgeniya Kanaeva visited Crystal Rose, the  international rhythmic gymnastics competition in Minsk.

She noted that the tournament in the capital of Belarus is very important for Russian gymnasts due to the lack of practice of performing on the international arena.

"This is a great incentive right now, because we now have a situation that is not very good for our athletes and for the whole sport. Because there has always been a goal - the Russian team, then the world championships, Europe, the Olympic Games. This is the main dream of every athlete, and it is very difficult to replace. And thanks to these competitions, of course, the athletes don't lose hope. And this is a great motivation to show your skills," she said.

Evgeniya Kanaeva also shared her opinion of how the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace  Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.

For the first time, 13 gymnasts are representing the Academy at an international competition in Minsk.

"Sky Grace Academy is a school with its own vision, where Alina Kabaeva is trying to do something new, something that helps children better understand psychology, nutrition, that is, she works very carefully. This is the beginning of a path that will lead to a big, good result," she said.

The international Crystal Rose tournament takes place in Minsk from August 4-6.