"This is a successful competition for me as a coach." Elizaveta Chernova talks on the European Cup

For coach Elizaveta Chernova, the European Cup was a memorable event, her student, Russian champion Arina Kovshova from the Novosibirsk Region, won gold with the ball and silver with the hoop.

And silver medalist at the Russian Championships, Yana Zaikina from Volgograd, who took her first steps in gymnastics with Elizaveta Markovna, took first with the ribbon, second in the clubs routine, and also won gold in the junior cross battles.

Elizaveta Chernova explained how the competition went for Arina Kovshova:

"This is our first cross country battle. It's something new and interesting, and I always enjoy new and interesting things. So we were determined to do our job and, most importantly, enjoy it. And that's what we set our minds on today, and we succeeded. We received the highest possible score for us at the international competition today. We were up against a very worthy opponent in the hoop. And both Sofia Raffaeli and I really did well, and it was truly exciting. This tournament was probably a good one for me as a coach."

The coach also noted the support of the fans, Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva, and the Academy team:

"Everyone was really cheering for Arisha and Masha, rooting and supporting. We saw Alina Maratovna in the stands, and our director was there. Everyone was clapping and supporting us, so it was a really warm day, and we're really happy we were able to perform today."

Elizaveta Markovna also shared her emotions about the victory of Yana Zaikina from Volgograd:

"I'm truly happy. Because a girl from a small village came here once and joined my very first recruitment, when I was just starting out as a coach. And Alina Maratovna noticed us. When she congratulated me on the first day of Yana's medal, she said, 'I remember your first Academy try-out, when I noticed you.' We reminisced too, looking at childhood photos of her as a little girl, walking, simply learning the basics step by step, and now she's in first place at the European Cup. I'm really happy for her, and it's wonderful that the Academy even gave her this opportunity."