Elvira Belyaeva is the winner in exercises with the ball at the international competition as part of the Russian Cup

Academy student Elvira Belyaeva from Gatchina won gold at the international competition within the framework of the Russian Cup in the ball exercise under Russian rules among pre-juniors of 2011—2013 years of birth.

Elvira scored 30.15 points. Anna Nikulshina from Lipetsk took second place with the result of 28.55. Victoria Kopylova from Mari El was third with the score of 27.80.  

Further to the ball routine, the gymnast also showed the program with the hoop. It was not absolutely perfect but Academy Coach Evgenia Eliseeva noted the gymnast’s character.
 

“Elvira fell during an expensive combined element with the hoop but that didn’t stop her from taking gold with the ball, so it’s okay, we’ll learn from that. We decided that in training we should try just as much as during the competitions. She stood up very high on her half toe and her ankle twisted, that happens. I liked that Elvira pulled herself together and finished everything. It showed that she has real character. She's a fighter.”

The gymnast explained that moment in the following way.

“I tried to do this element well, but I overdid it and fell. I was on a lot of adrenaline and didn’t understand what happened, so I quickly got up and kept going.”

The coach and the gymnast also extended their appreciation to everybody helping them with preparations.

“Very good impressions. We really love competitions of this level. Here are the strongest children in our country, and in Russia gymnastics is the strongest. Many thanks to the Academy, Alina Kabaeva, the head coach, and to everyone involved in our gold! Thank you!”

The international tournament within the framework of the Russian Cup is taking place in Yekaterinburg from December 1 to 7.