Coach Maria Shakhova and her student Maria Rykova talk about the important role of the rope in rhythmic gymnastics

Maria Shakhova, a Sochi coach, shared her impressions of the tournament for the International Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs Association partners 

"It's a high-level competition, and for our children, participation at this level is a very good experience. To showcase yourself, to look at others, and also to cope with the excitement of performing at an arena like that," the coach said. 

Maria noted that she supports the return of the rope.

"I am probably one of those coaches who is happy about the return of the rope. It helps children to coordinate, it helps children to develop strength, speed, endurance. That is, we cover a large number of qualities that are necessary for an athlete," she  said. 

Her gymnast Maria Rykova also shared how the competition went for her.  

"I was actually very worried about this tournament, because this is our first time performing at Sky Grace and I seemed to do well, but there are still some shortcomings. I have been doing rhythmic gymnastics for quite a long time, and when I was little, there was rope, but then it was taken away, and now it has been brought back. The rope is a very interesting and complicated object," the gymnast said. 

The tournament for the International Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs Association partners was held in Sirius from November 28 to December 1.