"It’s interesting to learn how to appear like a champion, no matter the apparatus." Chief judge Lyubov Cherkashina talks about the format of the Crystal Rose competition
Lyubov Cherkashina, the chief judge of the Crystal Rose competition, explained why the order of the gymnasts’ performances at the international Crystal Rose tournament was determined using a four‑type rotation system:
"If we look at how the all-around went, I feel it was two very action-packed days and as the chief judge, I always try to introduce something that breaks away from the usual format yes. I actually really love the four-apparatus carousel, because until the very last moment, you never know which apparatus will be a hit. It gives the gymnasts an extra opportunity to learn how to open their performance with any type. No matter if you are a champion or not, the first performance is always about like testing the waters. So, it’s really interesting to learn how to step out onto the carpet as a champion from any type."
The specialist noted the progress have European champion Yana Zaikina from Volgograd and silver medalist Ksenia Savinova from Gatchina made since 2023, when they first represented the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy at the tournament in Minsk:
"Without a doubt, the girls' class on the carpet increased because they’ve learned to present themselves, they’ve learned to fight, how much more complex their routines have become, what difficult elements they do, how many rotations, the kind of fouettés they spin, how they’ve upgraded their risks, how Zaikina just flutters out there. She truly floats above the carpet. That lightness is amazing. Of course, it’s natural, but this nature needs to be developed, and they are doing a phenomenal job with it. Because of this, I believe these kids have a very bright future ahead. They will definitely come back to our Crystal Rose tournament more than once."
She also talked about the junior athletes who had just started competing in this age category:
"I also want to highlight the juniors who only started competing in the junior program this year. By now, in the summer, we can already see what a massive leap they’ve made, how well they've learned to hold their own alongside the older girls, and they are putting up some very serious competition. An example of this is our Belarusian gymnast, Ksyusha Evdokimova. I don't think many juniors can pull off four rolls under a flying apparatus. She did it, and it was awesome. I love that these junior gymnasts keep that drive and excitement of being completely fearless, fighting hard, and learning new things. Well, that is probably the path to success."