Isabella Rojas’s coach from Cuba, Neli Borras, spoke about the difficulties with visas and tickets to Germany for the World Championships

Neli Borras, coach of Cuban gymnast Isabella Rojas, spoke about the difficulties with visas and tickets to Germany and Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva's assistance in resolving travel issues:

"In the first instance, we ran into problems with getting our German visas. Initially, it was impossible to even book an appointment to submit our documents, and then the visa issuance itself took a very long time. In the end, we got lucky, the visas were issued on the exact same day, although with a major delay. Because of this, we were already missing our flight. Unfortunately, we missed the plane and couldn't take part in the competitions from day one as we had planned. After that, the president of our sports board immediately contacted Alina Kabaeva, the Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, and they provided us with immense support. We are incredibly grateful to them: they helped us rebook the tickets and did everything possible so that we could get here. First and foremost, thanks to Alina Kabaeva. I feel like it all started back in 2021. Back then, I had gymnasts Gretel Mendoza and Isabella Rojas.  Once, at a Sky Grace competition, during the Academy's second tournament, Alina told me that she would support us and that we could count on her help. And she truly kept her word. From the very first moment, she has always stayed updated on how we are doing."

The expert shared her impressions of Russian athletes returning to major international competitions:

"It seems to me that Russian gymnasts, despite being away from international competitions for a long time due to the situation in our sport, are now gradually returning to the international arena and once again demonstrating their high level of skill and quality of work. The Russian school of rhythmic gymnastics cannot be canceled. Their actual technique is different, from the way they interpret the music to how they build their compositions. Their programs are generally perceived in a different way. They have a different understanding of rhythmic gymnastics. They have a massive amount of experience behind them. One could say that the Russian school largely shaped rhythmic gymnastics into what it is today. The Russian girls are just different. It feels like they are gymnasts from birth — it is as if it is hardwired into their bodies. All the athletes are currently fighting for Olympic quotas — the first Olympic spots are being contested at this championship. I think that the Russian gymnasts will also be able to secure their quotas. The competition here is incredibly fierce. Everyone is under a lot of pressure and very tense — one can really see it. Everyone is trying to give their best performance."

Isabella did not compete on the first day of the World Championships due to visa and flight issues. The International Sky Grace Association covered her travel expenses and helped her travel to Germany.