Mariia Borisova told why working with Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva is valuable to her

At the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest, Mariia Borisova from St. Petersburg won the all-around title. The athlete shared why working with Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva is valuable to her:

"I really missed performing at home with my home crowd. And in Moscow, too, it's really nice. I've been performing here for about seven years now, and I really love this venue, these stands, and this support. The fans were amazing! Alina Maratovna personally came on the first day and supported us, got us going, and oversaw our preparation. It's always a thrill and a pleasure when Alina Maratovna comes and when she's in touch with us, because she's always involved in the preparation process, both outside of competition and right from the start. I'm very happy and grateful to Alina Maratovna for always being with us."

The gymnast told about the new ball program:

"I have a new ball program, completely different from my old routine. It's very fast-paced. It has a lot of musical accents, and it's more serious. I associate it with my previous clubs. It's probably a continuation of the story. I think it's easier for me to do fast music, to have a rhythm, a high tempo."

Masha also thanked everyone who helped prepare for this competition:

"I want to thank my coach, Irina Nikolaevna Gusarova, because the preparation for this competition was serious, and she worked seven days a week to prepare me well. And I am very grateful to her. We've been through so much already and will go through so much more together. And I'm just so happy that we've formed such a tandem since childhood and that we're together. I love her very much! I'm grateful to Ekaterina Medorovna, the choreographer, to all the doctors, and to the entire Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy. Thank you! Thank you to the fans. Thank you for your support in the stands and outside the Gymnastics Palace!"

At the Moscow tournament, Mariia also won silver in the hoop and clubs finals. She is a champion at the Tashkent stage of the World Cup, a member of the Russian National team, and lives and trains at the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.