"We gained a lot from the Cup of the Strongest stages." Coach Natalia Zhuravleva on the performance of the Novosibirsk group gymnasts

Natalia Zhuravleva, coach of the Novosibirsk group gymnasts, spoke about the challenges the athletes had to overcome on their way to the third stage of the Cup of the Strongest:

"We had a really tough road to the competition. Not only did one of our girls get sick, but we had to rework the entire program and team in two days. We had a really long flight here because our flight was delayed for 12 hours. But we finally made it, and the kids didn't give up. They said they'd fly no matter what, no matter how long the delay. Ultimately, we made it to the finals and performed well. Of course, that's very gratifying."

The gymnasts qualified for the tournament thanks to the Sky Grace International Association quota. Natalia shared why the opportunity to compete in this tournament is valuable to her and her students:

"It was very nice. The girls worked really hard, they're motivated. They trained all summer, waiting. The kids want to compete in these competitions because it's prestigious, after all. Of course, this is a huge lesson for the girls, and for me, too. We've gained a lot from these Cup of the Strongest stages. By participating in these Cup of the Strongest you learn and become stronger, more experienced. It's very important for the kids, when they gain experience. Even if it's sometimes a negative experience, it's still an experience, and a positive one is also an experience. So, all of this is only a plus for the gymnasts."

At the third stage of the Cup of the Strongest in Kazan, the Novosibirsk group gymnasts placed fourth in the junior women's five-pair clubs final.