"The opportunity to be here helped me feel more confident." Cuban gymnasts talk about the Academy training camp

The training camp for Cuban gymnasts has ended at the Academy. Maria Carla Amaya-Thomasen told how the training helped in preparing for the Central American Games.

“Training with coach Olesya Kovaleva helped us a lot in preparing for the Central American Games. She worked with us a lot, fixed our facial expressions, character, and it was a huge help.The opportunity to be here really helped me feel more confident and correct some mistakes,” Maria Carla said.

Daliana Concepcion noted which subjects she has become most proficient in.

“I feel like we prepared well here to do well at these competitions. And I think I have the best ball skills, but I can do well with the ribbon too,” she said.

Isabella Rojas expressed her gratitude to the coaching staff for their work and to Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva for the invitation to Sirius.

“Training with Olesya Kovaleva, Olga Frolova and the choreography and ballet teacher Katya Belova was really amazing. Working with them was always great. We learned so much, we are very happy and very grateful to them. I want to thank Alina Kabaeva and all the staff of the Academy on behalf of all of us, the Cuban team, for the opportunities they gave us. We are very grateful and hope to see each other soon and come back here. Thank you very much,” Isabella said.

Solange's coach Beatriz Castañeda-Marcel also talked about the results of the training camp.

“During the month of training at the Academy, we adjusted the programs in terms of difficulty and, above all, in terms of the artistic part.  I am very glad to be back here and take part in another training camp. Thanks to the Academy, Alina Maratovna and everyone in general,” she said.

 The Academy has covered all expenses for the Cuban gymnasts’ training camp.