Alina Kabaeva: "Live competition gives an incentive to other countries to catch up with Russia"

The Olympic champion summed up the results of the Sky Grace tournament and told about the Academy of Rhythmic Gymnastics in the federal territory of Sirius.

The Heavenly Grace tournament was held for the second time. It is organized by the Charity Foundation of Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva. The start was held again according to unique rules — the gymnasts, in addition to the usual exercises with a hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon, also prepared a program with a rope. Each type had its own characteristics that emphasized the value of certain elements. After the end of the tournament, Alina Kabaeva talked to journalists and summed up the results of the Sky Grace.

— How do you assess the results of the tournament?

— I want to say a huge thank you to everyone — to all the participants, coaches, gymnasts, judges who were not afraid and came, performed and gave us an amazing holiday. Of course, the girls from Mexico and Cuba. And our girls are simply incomparable.

As they say, sport unites. Live competition is great. There are no enemies in sports, there are rivals in sports. This lively competition gives an incentive to other countries to catch up for Russia. They think that now our country is not on the world stage, and it's easier for them. In fact, they lose a lot. I am very sorry that Russia is not represented at international competitions now. We can see this beauty. No one has canceled the Internet, the whole world is watching us.

— There were unusual rules at the tournament again.

— Yes, the rules are complicated here, but everyone can try and perform. Look, no one is afraid to go out with a rope. It was canceled in 2011, it is no longer an Olympic sport. But I think that this has made our sport poorer. That's why we brought back the rope exercises. The children performed, prepared. Everyone said it was difficult, but interesting. In our tournament, you can make elements without restrictions. A gymnast can show everything she is capable of. The most important thing is that if beautiful and complex elements are executed, it is evaluated for high scores.

— What is the peculiarity of the new Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy?

— National teams have always had their own training base. The regions did not have it. The Academy will become a home for regional teams, clubs and other countries. We are now creating an international association, we will communicate with everyone and share our experience. We are open for communication.

Source: Sport-Express.