“These international competitions are now rare." Yana Batyrshina - about the Evgenia Kanaeva tournament in Omsk

The international Evgenia Kanaeva rhythmic gymnastics tournament will take place in Omsk on April 28-30. It will be hosted by the 1996 Atlanta Olympics silver medalist Yana Batyrshina and commentator Dmitry Guberniev. We talked to the former athlete, and she recalled how the tournament went last year, and told what she expects from the upcoming competitions.

- The tournament will be held in Omsk for the second time. Last year you were also the host, what do you remember about this experience?

Yana Batyrshina: “Last year it was a special event both for Omsk and for the whole country. After all, Zhenya Kanaeva, the only two-time Olympic champion in history, now has her own tournament.

I hosted the opening of the competition and it took place at the Philharmonic. Our rhythmic gymnastics stars came - Dina and Arina Averina, Lala Kramarenko. Classical music on the stage of the Philharmonic - it was simply magical. Irina Zenovka, one of our most famous choreographers, was in charge of the production. Ekaterina Dementieva, Vyacheslav Dyudnev and Marina Davydova were also involved, it was a full house. Evgenia Kanaeva's coach Vera Shtelbaums was in the audience.

The surprise at the end of this colorful opening was Zhenya's performance. It was composed of gymnastic elements. Very beautiful, gentle, gave all of us goosebumps. After that, she gave Vera a bouquet. It was performance-dedication to her favorite coach. And of course, the entire audience couldn't not hold back tears.

The tournament itself went great. It’s level was incredible.

What do you expect from the upcoming tournament? 

– “Now I'm anticipating something completely incredible. The gala concert and finals of certain types of programs will be held at the G-Drive Arena. It’s not just a gymnastics hall, but a huge building, and there will be many spectators in the stands.

The competition program has been expected. If last year there was no group exercise, this year there is.

This year I won’t be the only host, I will have Dmitry Guberniev at my side. And this is also a rise to another level, since I will have his support on stage.

Under the current conditions, what do these international tournaments mean for Russian athletes ?

– Of course, this is very, very important, these tournaments are now rare. When gymnasts from other countries come, it is always very important. The main Belarus team is coming, Alina Gornosko is the Olympic Games bronze medalist, this is very high level.

Russia won’t be represented by our top gymnasts, for good reason. The Averin sisters and Lala Kramarenko will not be able to participate, but Maria Borisova, Alina Protasova, the best gymnasts of Omsk, members of the Russian team, Uliana Janus and Maya Kolobovnikova and our other strongest girls will be there.