"I feel that I have become stronger." Alesya Naifonova talks about her impressions of the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest

Alesya Naifonova from Vladikavkaz is the silver medalist of the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest in the ribbon among the juniors. 

The gymnast shared  her impressions from the tournament in Moscow after the performances:

"I really liked it here. It's a great atmosphere, the hall is beautiful. I love performing in Moscow. My whole family supported me, my mom and dad. My uncle and his brothers and sisters came to the competition with me. I had great support from my coach and the entire big Academy team. I want to express my enormous gratitude to the entire Academy staff, the doctors, my coaches Alina Ivanovna, Irina Nikolaevna, and Alina Andreevna, and my choreographer Ekaterina Medorovna. And a huge thank you to Alina Maratovna for her help and support!"

By the way, this contest is particularly symbolic for Alesya. It was exactly the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest last year in Sirius that helped her to make her way to the Academy — Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva assessed athlete's capabilities then. Alesya told us in almost a year later how she assesses her progress:

"Actually, it feels like a few days, that it hasn't been a year, just a few days; time seems to have flown by. I feel like I've gotten stronger. I think I've improved a bit in my artistic skills. The elements have become cleaner, and the risks have become more difficult. The most memorable event? The first practice session with Alina Maratovna. The Russian Championships, when Alina Maratovna also trained us."

She noted which advice of the Olympic champion she remembered the most:

"That you need to pick up the pace, always push yourself to the end, not relax during the run-through, and only relax when you leave the mat. And maintain concentration throughout."