"Everyone is very happy that we're returning." Tatyana Sergaeva on the gymnasts' performance at the AEON Cup World Club Championships

The National team Head coach Tatyana Sergaeva, discussed how the AEON Cup World Club Championships went for Mariia Borisova, Ulyana Janus, and Ksenia Savinova.

"The girls, when they congratulated me on my birthday, the first thing I told them was that the best gift I could receive from them would be their work at the competition, their performance. And they, of course, did a great job, because there were 24 routines for three gymnasts, and all 24 without any major errors. Yes, there were some minor issues that we'll work on, but overall, they did a great job. They're simply heroes. It was a really tough trip because no one had seen us for a long time. And we hadn't seen anyone else for a long time. So it was really nerve-wracking for the girls. I can imagine how nerve-wracking it was. And for me, in turn, it was interesting to see how the girls would handle themselves on the road and at the big start. Ksyusha is a total hero, no questions asked. She came out, rattled off, and left. Simply superb, well done. Masha needs to work on her program a little, adjust it. Ulyana is a young girl, yes, there were some minor mistakes, some errors. It was harder for her to cope with the psychological pressure. I think she still has a whole year ahead of her to get stronger."

The specialist explained the importance of the athletes' participation in the competition in Tokyo.

"So many of our Olympic champions have come here to compete and win. Basically, it's our home tournament. But there was a pause, a certain lull in our travels, and it was worth starting with this tournament. Because it's not a public World Championship, but at the same time, it's not the World Championship either. So, we were able to try out our routines here, show off our skills, and see how others perform. Everyone is, of course, very happy that we're coming back. Especially all my friends from the coaching staff and the judges at the time. Everyone is incredibly happy that we came."

Mariia Borisova, Ulyana Janus, and Ksenia Savinova took second place overall, thereby guaranteeing the team a spot in the 2026 AEON Cup final, bypassing the qualifying round.

All Russian gymnasts who competed in Tokyo are partners of the Sky Grace International Association and competed under neutral status.