How do young specialists complete their internship at the Academy? Coach Ekaterina Lots shares all

Ekaterina Lots came to the Alina Kabaeva Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy from the Russian International Olympic University as part of an educational internship.

She shared with us her impressions of her first days at the Academy.

"I’m currently undergoing an internship at the Sky Grace Academy, since I am finishing my studies at the Russian International Olympic University, and I have had the honor and opportunity to do an internship here. I want to point out that the training process is structured in a very interesting way, it’s a unique place. Everything has been done for the girls, for the coaches. It’s a pleasure to work, it’s nice to see satisfied, happy children and coaches. The Sky Grace gymnasts are hardworking, able and willing to work, listen very carefully to the coach, fix every note, absorb everything like sponges, behave very beautifully, do not cry, try to learn as much as possible new things," Ekaterina said.

In addition, Ekaterina is a judge at Sky Grace International Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs Association. She judged the interregional Sky Grace Cup qualifying tournament in Sirius.

"I judged the interregional Sky Grace Cup competition in the Southern Federal District. The competition was held at the highest level. The judging was perfectly organized by a computer team. Gymnasts are evaluated in real time, that is, a gymnast makes a certain mistake, say, half a point, and the judge immediately gives a score and, accordingly, she looks at the gymnastics and does not miss any mistakes, recording them on a piece of paper," she said.

She also shared how the rules and work of the International Association influence the development of rhythmic gymnastics.

"The Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs Association has significant influence over the development of rhythmic gymnastics in the Russian Federation, as well as throughout the world, as girls participate from all over the world. I would like to point out that these rules, the Association in general, gives gymnasts the opportunity to show their uniqueness, character, these are more emotional rules, and gymnasts can show how expressive they are," the judge said.