The International Gymnastics Federation (World Gymnastics) has allowed Russian athletes to compete with their flag and anthem.The decision was made by the Executive Committee on May 17.The decision applies to all five gymnastics sports that are part of the Russian Gymnastics Federation: artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, trampoline, acrobatic gymnastics, and aerobic gymnastics.The next competition where our gymnasts will be able to perform with the flag and anthem will be the Challenge Cup in Romania, June 26–28, 2026. A separate decision by European Gymnastics is required to lift the sanctions at the European Championships at the end of May.

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Competitions

The decision was made by the Executive Committee on May 17.

The World Gymnastics has allowed Russian athletes to compete with their flag and anthem

<div data-component="video" data-props="{&quot;materialId&quot;:8968,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Грация, сила и бескомпромиссная борьба&quot;,&quot;externalCdnLink&quot;:null,&quot;video&quot;:{&quot;subDir&quot;:&quot;aa3/fed&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;aa3feddc3d5fdc35d29f1a.mp4&quot;}}"></div>The results of the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest are in a news segment on the Rossiya 24 TV channel.The competition was held in Moscow from May 14 to 16.

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The competition was held in Moscow from May 14 to 16.

A report from the Rossiya 24 TV channel about the results of the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest

Russian Junior Championship silver medalist Ksenia Savinova from Gatchina analyzed her performance in the all-around at the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest:<blockquote>"I didn't do very well with the hoop and clubs. I'll work more on them, my risks, my artistic form, and my elements. A big thank you to Alina Maratovna for coming to these competitions and preparing us. And to Evgeniya Mikhailovna, who helped me out and supported me, and to the judges who told about my mistakes. And to the entire Academy staff."</blockquote>She noted the support from Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva:<blockquote>"She told me to go out there and do everything boldly, and to imagine competing at the European Championships, so it would feel more familiar and less scary."</blockquote>The gymnast told how her coach Evgenia Eliseeva sets her up before the performance:<blockquote>"It's important that she always kisses and hugs me before I go on. It's as if her strength transfers to me, and I'm less afraid to go out on the carpet."</blockquote>Ksyusha also told which of the other gymnasts she talked to at this competition:<blockquote>"Sofia from Argentina and I became friends at the last stage and we hung out a bit here too. It's nice to have friends from different countries; we can just chat. And I'm very good friends with the girls from Belarus, Ksyusha Evdokimova, because we traveled to Tashkent together and we see each other at a lot of competitions."</blockquote>Ksenia took second place in the all-around and also won gold in the ball and clubs finals. She is a member of the National team's main roster and lives and trains at the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.&nbsp;

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Opinion

Ksenia took second place in the all-around and also won gold in the ball and clubs finals.

Ksenia Savinova analyzes her performance in the all-around at the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest

Eva Kononova from the Tyumen Region summed up her performance at the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest, noting the tournament's special atmosphere and the support of the stands:<blockquote>"The competition went quite well. I think the atmosphere here is very warm. And the fans are very supportive. I really enjoy competing here. I performed quite well in all events. The ball wasn't quite right, but we'll work on it even more. The atmosphere is very nice and the fans are great, everyone's so supportive. They say: 'Can I please take a picture or can you sign this?' And then, when they're leaving, they say, 'Eva, you're the best, we really like you.' I really appreciate it when people say that. I&nbsp;never throw away any of the posters, of course. I keep them all in my room, looking at them."</blockquote>The gymnast spoke about the preparation and changes in the program:<blockquote>"We worked on the cleanliness, made the routine more challenging, and tried to bring everything into focus. We changed the clubs a bit and created a really dynamic second sequence. There's no program that I can really single out. But I really enjoy doing the ribbon. It's very interesting and has a new style."</blockquote>Eva shared that her friend had come to support her in the stands:<blockquote>"My friend came here, we trained together with Vera Nikolaevna Shatalina and Ekaterina Valentinovna. We get along very well. Her name is Alya, Alexia Pashko. She offers a lot of support after every competition. She texts me, generally asking how I'm doing, how I'm feeling."</blockquote>The athlete noted the support of Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva and thanked everyone for their help in preparation:<blockquote>"She helps me so, so much. Today she told me to do it for fun, just not think about anything, but concentrate on the apparatus, on every action, and also be present with my emotions. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Alina Maratovna, who always chimes in, tells me something, and supports me. Also, to Ekaterina Konstantinovna for her tremendous support. A big thank you to Evgeniya Mikhailovna and Olga Dmitrievna, who spend every day with me in the gym and help me so much. I want to thank Ekaterina Medorovna for practicing the elements with us. Overall, I'd like to thank everyone who helps me. I'd like to thank my family for their support."</blockquote>At the Moscow tournament, Eva won silver in the all-around and ball finals, as well as gold in the hoop, clubs, and ribbon finals. She is a member of the Russian National team and lives and trains at the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.&nbsp;

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At the Moscow tournament, Eva won silver in the all-around and ball finals, as well as gold in the hoop, clubs, and ribbon finals. She is a member of the Russian National team and lives and trains at the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy. 


"Doing it for fun and concentrate on every move." Eva Kononova talks about her performance at the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest

<div data-component="video" data-props="{&quot;materialId&quot;:8951,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;рен кубок 2 этап&quot;,&quot;externalCdnLink&quot;:null,&quot;video&quot;:{&quot;subDir&quot;:&quot;b70/958&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;b7095860ed1d1ad483694b.mp4&quot;}}"></div>More about the Academy gymnasts' progress at the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest, which took place in Moscow from May 14 to 16, in this REN TV news segment.

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The competition was held from May 14th to 16th.

Academy gymnasts performed at the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest in Moscow. REN TV reports

Anna Kamenshchikova from Belarus is the bronze medalist of the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest in the all-around and in the hoop, ball and ribbon among the seniors.The gymnast assessed the performances at the tournament in Moscow:<blockquote>"In the ball routine, I made a minor, so to speak, visible error. I understand that, we discussed it with the coach, that's all. And with the clubs, it was a really stupid mistake; I simply dropped it from my hand. But mistakes are mistakes, that's what they are, you have to move on and, of course, work on them. I need to work even harder and listen to the coach."</blockquote>She told how the recent European Cup in Baku turned out for her:<blockquote>"Oh, I absolutely loved competing there! I haven't been on the international stage for five years. I was incredibly happy to compete in Baku! And it's a very interesting competition format. Especially since it turned out that Dasha Verenich and I got into the battle. It's very interesting, very strange. But actually, I felt more or less at ease there."</blockquote>Anna shared which gymnasts from other countries she particularly likes:<blockquote>"Sofia Raffaeli. Meital Maayan Sumkin didn't compete, but overall I like her as a gymnast. Dasha Varfolomeev, of course, is also very good; all her transitions are so seamless."</blockquote>The athlete also noted which performances of the gymnasts of the Academy in the capital of Azerbaijan she liked the most:<blockquote>"Yana’s routine is simply love, it's in my heart, because she truly lives it. It's amazing, I loved it! Of course, we were rooting for Arisha back then during the cross country battle. The hoop was a very interesting battle between Sofia and Arisha, and their scores were almost identical overall."</blockquote>

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Anna Kamenshchikova from Belarus is the bronze medalist of the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest in the all-around and in the hoop, ball and ribbon among the seniors.


"I need to work even more and listen to the coach." Anna Kamenshchikova from Belarus talks about the results 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.&nbsp;The gymnast&nbsp;shared &nbsp;her impressions from the tournament in Moscow after the performances:<blockquote>"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!"</blockquote>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:<blockquote>"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."</blockquote>She noted which advice of the Olympic champion she remembered the most:<blockquote>"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."</blockquote>

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

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

Bronze medalist of the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest among juniors Ksenia Evdokimova shared her impressions from the tournament in Moscow:<blockquote>"The emotions were only positive. The atmosphere was very pleasant, friendly. We were greeted warmly. I liked everything."</blockquote>A gymnast from Belarus spoke about her work on the programs:<blockquote>"We worked a lot, completing the assignments our coach gave us. Assignment: three clean run throughs. Sometimes I can really pull myself together right away, sometimes I don't quite get it right, but then I always complete the assignment."</blockquote>She shared the technical nuances of Sakura's turn, which she does well:<blockquote>"I've been doing it for quite a while. We learned it back when I was with my first coach. And now I've started doing it. Now we've perfected it with our choreographer, Galina Vladimirovna. She helped me with this. Thank her very much. Of course, it's important to learn the right entry. It's very important to close your leg at the right time for the turn to count, and to work your supporting heel, too."</blockquote>Ksenia also explained why she is inspired by Daria Varfolomeev's style:<blockquote>"I used to look up to Anastasia Salos, but now, well, maybe Daria Varfolomeev. She has such an unusual style of movement, it's really captivating. She turns well and does interesting risks."</blockquote>Ksenia Evdokimova won bronze in the all-around and in the ribbon, clubs and ribbon finals at the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest.

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Bronze medalist of the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest among juniors shared her impressions from the tournament in Moscow. 

Ksenia Evdokimova from Belarus speaks about the work on the programs and the technical nuances of the Sakura turn at the second stage of the Strongest Cup

Eva Kononova from the Tyumen Region won gold in the ribbon exercise and silver in the ball exercise in the finals of the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest. Her coaches are Evgeniya Eliseeva and Olga Minigalina, and her choreographer is Ekaterina Belova.&nbsp;In the ribbon final, Sofia Ilteriakova from Moscow took second place. Mariia Borisova from St. Petersburg placed third, but according to tournament rules, no more than two gymnasts from a single country can stand on the podium, so Anna Kamenshchikova from Belarus took bronze.&nbsp;In the ball final, Sofia Ilteriakova from Moscow took first place, and Mariia Borisova from St. Petersburg took third. However, according to tournament rules, no more than two gymnasts from a country can share the podium, so Anna Kamenshchikova from Belarus won bronze.Eva and Masha are members of the Russian National team and live and train at the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.

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Her coaches are Evgeniya Eliseeva and Olga Minigalina, and her choreographer is Ekaterina Belova. 


Eva Kononova won gold in the ribbon exercise and silver in the ball exercise in the finals of the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest

The second stage of the Children's Judo League for athletes born in 2016-2017 is currently underway in Sochi.&nbsp;Young athletes from Sochi and Sirius athletic schools are participating in the competition. Among them are athletes from the Martial Arts Academy: Vasily Blinov, Zakhar Rakitin, and Miroslav Sirotyuk. Their coach is Evgeny Ivanov.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/d54/251/d542518a36e7330ab94dfe4fea96677e.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/b33/50e/b3350ef2d1d87003c59b7af35e463f0b.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/71b/275/71b2758f008bcd385e8cacb70e6b3034.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/43d/332/43d332d4b8c3bde0fd2f12788403c76d.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/e2c/884/e2c88462be2eddc812e2de8d3a77b374.png"></figure>

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MA Academy

Among them are athletes from the Martial Arts Academy: Vasily Blinov, Zakhar Rakitin, and Miroslav Sirotyuk. Their coach is Evgeny Ivanov. 



The Martial Arts Academy athletes take part in the second stage of the Children's Judo League f

At the second stage of the Cup of the Strongest, judge Daria Sidorova from Tomsk explained which elements helped the tournament leaders get the highest score:<blockquote>"Right now, in the current Olympic cycle, artistry and the artistic component of the composition are valued very high. There must be two dance steps, and there must be character in the routine. That is, the gymnast must tell some kind of story on the floor throughout the entire composition. Purity is a must. Losses are now evaluated very strictly for us. That is, a loss next to oneself is a deduction of 0.5, a loss with one step is 0.7, and if more than two steps, then it is already a full point. I also want to note the incredible risks. Both Mariia Borisova and Eva Kononova also demonstrated this to us. These are throws in a turn, without hands, without visual control, with three, and sometimes even four rotations under the throw. They also provide additional tenths, additional points, and thus a high score is being built up. The fouetté pivot is indeed very difficult. This is an element that has come to us from ballet. Each turn costs a certain number of tenths. It is clear that the more the gymnast twists, the higher the score she will receive accordingly."</blockquote>She also analyzed the fouetté turn by Tyumen Region’s Eva Kononova's program and explained why it earned such a high score:<blockquote>"No later than the second double turn, she performs the apparatus work, putting the hoop on herself. That is, the apparatus work is considered completed, the hoop has passed over two major parts of the body, in this case, the head and torso. The working leg opens clearly to 90 degrees, and during each rotation, the leg is pressed in passe, the working leg is pressed in passe. The gymnast maintains her point, which undoubtedly helps her to perform the rotations more accurately and easily. Also, the supporting leg does not lift off the floor, and the gymnast does not move from her position."</blockquote>

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She also analyzed the fouetté turn by Tyumen Region’s Eva Kononova's program and explained why it earned such a high score. 
