Yana Kudryavtseva — about the Sky Grace tournament and the sports future of her daughters

The silver medalist of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Yana Kudryavtseva, visited the Sky Grace tournament as an honorary guest.

Kudryavtseva has always been considered one of the brightest and most charismatic of our gymnasts. Therefore, it was especially interesting to find out Yana's opinion about the innovative system of rules according to which the Sky Grace tournament is held in Moscow. The organizer of the competition is the Charitable Foundation of Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva.

At this unique tournament, gymnasts compete according to the rules that combine the rules of 2001-2005 and the new regulations, which come into force from 2022. According to the plan of the initiators of the tournament, gymnasts were able to perform an unlimited number of elements of body difficulty. This allows athletes to demonstrate their outstanding capabilities and get away from standardized programs with the same elements.

I focused on working with the subject, according to the new rules it would be difficult for me

— What do you say about the "Heavenly Grace" and the rules by which the tournament is held? — question for Kudryavtseva.

— I think it's very cool that such a tournament has appeared. It arouses great interest — you can see that a lot of spectators, honored guests, and journalists have gathered. Gymnasts from 13 countries have arrived, which is also wonderful. I am very curious to see how the girls perform. These are very complicated rules.

— You didn't perform according to such rules yourself, did you?

— No, but we were just talking with my coach that it was so long ago that we don't remember ourselves (laughs). But we could already combine the elements with each other. For example, I was making a turn, and from it — balance. But honestly, it would be very difficult for me to play by such rules as at this tournament. I just focused more on working with the subject. Although it would be very interesting for me to try, it's even a pity that I have already finished my career!

— What can you say about the rules that were in effect in the last Olympic cycle? They are criticized a lot and called too standardized.

— There is really a lot of criticism. They say that rhythmic gymnastics has recently become more like a circus, not an art. All gymnasts did exercises according to the same scheme, approximately the same elements, throws. All this began to look uninteresting and of the same type. Therefore, I think that the rules will be revised and will make sure that rhythmic gymnastics remains a sport close to art and is interesting to everyone.

I have already given my daughter to rhythmic gymnastics

— Seven Olympic champions of different years came to the Sky Grace as honorary guests. Which of them can you call your idol?

— I can't say that I had idols. I watched and learned from all our champions. I can't say that even as a child I directly took an example from someone alone. Rather, I noticed some strengths in each of the gymnasts.

— Now you are already a mom twice. Do you find time for gymnastics classes?

— I am still trying very hard to appear in the world of rhythmic gymnastics. I participate in master classes, perform in some shows. But, of course, when you have two small children, you still devote more time to home and family. I hope my children will grow up soon...

— ... and will you return to rhythmic gymnastics?

— No, it's unlikely anymore! But I will definitely give my girls away. More precisely, I have already given it. The eldest is not yet three years old, and she is already training.

— Are you raising a future Olympic champion?

— Let's see, I would like to believe it!

Source: Sport-Express.