Veronika Solomatina shares her impressions after the international Ojaq Cup tournament in Baku

Veronika Solomatina from St. Petersburg won three gold medals - in exercises with a hoop, clubs and in the all-around at the international tournament in Baku.

She shared that she did not expect so many medals.

"There was a bit of fear that something might not work out," she said. 

The gymnast spoke about moving to the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics  Academy, where she prepared for the tournament.

"We came to the training camp several times, I knew that it was very beautiful and cozy there, I always wanted to train there and compete for Sky Grace. I almost cried that we were moving. I was very happy, the girls and I were happy, and my dad, my mom, my parents. We wake up a little earlier, get ready for school, go to school. I started going to four lessons, and in St. Petersburg I went to two or three lessons. That is, I started going to school more. Then we arrive, go to lunch and to training," she said.

Veronika shared what advice she was given during the control training sessions at the Academy, which she applied on the floor. 

"I was told that I need to smile more, stretch my legs, open up my arms, lower my shoulders," Veronika said.

She also added what advice she received from Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva.

"She is very beautiful, very kind. She gave me advice on what to do with the clubs, when I made a turn in the rear, to knock one club against the other, and at the risk, when I had already caught it, to throw it out, to do a small throw," she said. 

Veronika lives, studies and trains at the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy. She trains with Irina and Alina Gusarova.