"These rules reveal the gymnast". Coach Irina Dzyuba on the Games of Countries results

Irina Dzyuba, bronze medalist of the 1996 Olympics and Academy coach summed up the results of the international Games of Countries tournament.

"The competitive level was very dignified. It was a serious battle. I think the tournament went great. Some strengths of the gymnasts were revealed, and some weaknesses were revealed. Because it was a transition to the Sky Grace rules. And quite a difficult transition. There was quite a bit of time for preparation. The rules are very interesting. Rhythmic gymnastics discovers gymnasts within these rules," the coach said.

The coach noted the progress made by Academy students, who performed exercises with a jump rope for the first time.

"Not everything turned out perfectly, there were certain moments, but I personally really like the jump rope. It was an intense battle, a good one. Well, in the juniors, Kristina Voitenko performed well there. I also really liked some of Kristina’s moments. As a coach, I was pleased with her performance for the most part. Karolina has improved a lot due to many factors. I see it myself, for one. And the second point is that a lot of pleasant words were said from comrades and colleagues. Especially from those who are older. Coaches with experience. We had quite a lot of them," Irina said.

She added that it was hard for Ksenia Savina, who started performing in the juniors category.

"It was tougher for Ksenia Savinova. That’s why her ribbon happened the way it did, since she became a junior. Plus the jump rope "fell". But Ksyusha, I think, has done very well today. There are some things that can be improved. But Ksyusha is great! There is progress. The most important thing is that we are not standing still and continuing to work," she said.

The international Games of Countries tournament was held at the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, October 19-22.