Sabina Samatova and Diana Solosina share their impressions after the competition in Barnaul

For the young Academy students, Sabina Samatova from Izhevsk and Diana Solosina from Rostov-on-Don, the international competitions in Barnaul became a serious test, but the gymnasts managed well.

For the young Academy students, Sabina Samatova from Izhevsk and Diana Solosina from Rostov-on-Don, the international competitions in Barnaul became a serious test, but the gymnasts managed well. 

After the end of the tournament, Sabina Samatova told how she prepared for the performance.

“We worked out a lot, did a lot of run-throughs. I will strive to take first place in all events next time.  I told myself: I will succeed, and I will do everything without mistakes,” Sabina said. 

The gymnast thanked Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva and the Academy’s coaching staff.

“Thanks to Alina Kabaeva for providing me with the opportunity to perform at various competitions. Thanks to my coach Anna, Irina Dzyuba and my choreographer Elena Belova. And thanks to all the other coaches who prepared me,” she said.

Diana Solosina also noted that this was her first experience of performing at competitions like this.

“I performed for the first time. Of course, it was difficult, but it was worth it. Not everything worked out for me. There were two disappointing losses, of course. Something else didn’t work out with the hoop, but I think everything is fine.  I tell myself that I will succeed. That I'm strong. My arms must be strong, my legs must be strong too, in order to catch everything, to withstand all the balances, to jump all the jumps,” Diana said. 

The athlete also thanked everyone who helped prepare her.

“Alina Kabaeva helped me prepare for this tournament. I thank her very much for helping me prepare. Thank you very much to Anna, my coach, Irina Dzyuba of course, Evgenia. I thank them so much for putting so much work into me. And I took first place thanks to them! Thanks a lot,” she said. 

Sabina won the gold medal in the all-around among gymnasts born in 2013, and Diana became first in the age category one year younger.