In anticipation of the Sky Grace CUP International Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament and Beijing TOP Rhythmic Gymnastics International Open 2025, the Academy held a test training session with Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva.<figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/439/b8b/439b8b00a8f3ea9a8c5661ab655c19b0.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/2b5/72f/2b572f7afe1122074da05de50e1df858.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/0e2/b00/0e2b005fdc81bf875da491900e4b2ce5.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/930/9a8/9309a83d13ff9e91b0ad5f50441e887b.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/994/201/994201df9d17c3db952511b72086ee8a.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/496/835/496835c32bd82d5b9fe0af5c0a5f04ba.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img></figure><figure class="image"><img src="https://skygrace.ru/static/files/images/editor/0ac/383/0ac383450253a9304e57923a1204f583.png"></figure><figure class="image"><img></figure>

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Academy Life

Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva took part in the training.

The Academy held a test training session ahead of Sky Grace CUP International Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament and Beijing TOP Rhythmic Gymnastics International Open 2025

Part three of the interview with Egle Abruzzini, President of the International Gymnastics Federation Technical Committee from 1984 to 2008.Egle spoke about her higher education, her work as a coach, and her activities at the International Gymnastics Federation. She also shared her professional observations from those years. She recalled how she received her doctorate in Russia in 2004, as well as recognition of her merit in other countries.<div data-component="video" data-props="{&quot;materialId&quot;:8529,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;ИНТЕРВЬЮ Эгле Абруццини, часть 3_ENGLISH&quot;,&quot;externalCdnLink&quot;:null,&quot;video&quot;:{&quot;subDir&quot;:&quot;f5a/a4e&quot;,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;f5aa4ee85f8d44640d858f.mp4&quot;}}"></div><ul><li>0:01 Why did Egle Abruzzini consider it important to obtain a university education?</li><li>1:57 On her work as a coach</li><li>3:22 On the work of sports judges</li><li>7:14 How did Egle become President of the Technical Committee?</li><li>9:22 Conclusions on her professional path</li><li>11:33 Obtaining a doctorate</li><li>12:18 Reactions to her work at home and abroad</li><li>13:05 About family</li></ul>Watch the previous portion of the interview, about the beginning of her professional path, <a href="https://skygrace.ru/news/mneniya/vtoraya-chast-intervyu-s-egle-abruccini-prezidentom-tehnicheskogo-komiteta-mezhdunarodnoy-federacii-gimnastiki-s-1984-po-2008-god">here</a>.

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Rhythmic Gymnastics Veterans

Egle spoke about her higher education, her work as a coach, and her activities at the International Gymnastics Federation. She also shared her professional observations from those years.

Part three of the interview with Egle Abruzzini, President of the International Gymnastics Federation Technical Committee from 1984 to 2008

Academy gymnasts are heading to international tournaments.Ksenia Savinova and Yana Zaikina are heading to Tashkent for the Shining Star competition, and Masha Borisova is off to the Grand Prix stage in Thiais.&nbsp;At these tournaments, our gymnasts are competing under neutral status.

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Competitions

At these tournaments, our gymnasts are competing under neutral status.

Academy gymnasts are heading to international tournaments

The head coach of the Russian national team, Tatiana Sergaeva, summed up the results of the World Cup stage in Sofia and named the points that our athletes need to work on:<blockquote>"Expectations were to go out there, perform, and see how it turns out. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the public is fantastic. We enjoyed the tournament. First of all, based on the results, I liked it. I'm really pleased with how our team performed. They're really great. They withstood a heavy burden, including an emotional one. And they all performed very, very decently, from the little ones to the adults, everyone did a great job. This is just the beginning. That is why we must not stop under any circumstances. There are still plenty of mistakes. I already know what needs to be worked on. I know this because I spent almost the entire competition in the stands specifically to watch our girls in comparison with the world’s top gymnasts. So now we're heading home and getting back to active work. In person, everything feels completely different. That’s why I noticed so many subtle details that we’re missing. We'll start working on this as soon as we arrive."</blockquote>The specialist noted the memorable gymnasts:<blockquote>"I really liked the Bulgarians. That's exactly what I mean, the group exercise team. A very interesting team. China has a very interesting team. As for the gymnasts in the individual event, there are, of course, clear favorites. Sofia Raffaeli also gave a great performance today. I really liked it. Alina Harnasko is truly amazing; she definitely won us all over with her ribbon performance today. I think that we will compete with all of them."</blockquote>Tatiana Vladislavovna told how the world gymnastics has changed:<blockquote>"It changed; do you know in what way? The gymnasts have all become so different and so interesting that competing against them is now for us twice as exciting. They have made significant steps forward exactly in terms of artistry. Exactly. From the body technique standpoint, I could see today that we're at a very good level. We really need to work hard on artistry."</blockquote>The group exercise gymnasts won gold medals in the all-around and in the exercise with three hoops and two pairs of clubs, and silver in the routing with five balls at the debut international tournament in Bulgaria. Sofia Ilteryakova came in second in the hoop.

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Opinion

The head coach of the Russian national team, Tatiana Sergaeva, summed up the results of the World Cup stage in Sofia, noted the gymnasts who stood out, and named the points that our athletes need to work on.

"The gymnasts have all become so different and so interesting that competing against them is now for us twice as exciting". Tatiana Sergaeva talks about the results of the World Cup in Sofia

Elizaveta Geraskina and Karolina Pakhtusova sum up their performance at the Russian Junior Championship.Lisa talked about her progress compared to last year's Championship:<blockquote>"I performed eleven times, and I didn't make any major mistakes during any of my appearances. I tried to show what we'd worked on and do everything to the best of my ability. I think I've improved my artistry, perhaps in my execution. And I've tried to refine my elements and risks, too. The competition here is fierce. The strongest kids from all over Russia competed. I like a lot of gymnasts. I like Eva Chetaeva and Kristina Dyupina the most, I guess. Kristina is very artistic, and Eva does very complicated things, and she's a very beautiful gymnast, she's very clean."</blockquote>The gymnast shared how her preparation for the competition went:<blockquote>"We had a plan that I tried to follow. All my coaches helped me, including Elizaveta Markovna, Elizaveta Sergeyevna, and Alina Maratovna. She always offered feedback, support, and encouragement before each performance. Thank you very much to Elizaveta Markovna, Elizaveta Sergeevna, and Alina Maratovna. I am very grateful to them for their work with me and for their support. A big thank you to our judges who helped us during training. A great big thanks to everyone."</blockquote>Karolina noted the support of the audience and thanked Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva, the coaches and the entire Academy team:<blockquote>"Unfortunately, not everything worked out, but I am very glad that I was able to get into the clubs final and perform well. The fans here are really nice, all the girls are supportive. And the hall is really, really nice and cozy. We did a lot of run-throughs. We focused on getting everything down to speed and on consistency. Many thanks to my coaches Alina Ivanovna and Irina Nikolaevna, choreographers, Alina Maratovna and all the staff of the Academy."</blockquote>Liza's coach is Elizaveta Chernova. Elizaveta Zorkina also assisted her in her preparation. Karolina's coaches are Alina and Irina Gusarova, and her choreographer is Ekaterina Belova.

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Lisa talked about her progress compared to last year's Championship, and Caroline noted the support of the audience.

Elizaveta Geraskina and Karolina Pakhtusova sum up their performance at the Russian Junior Championship

Miroslava Monina from Penza competed at the Russian Junior Championship under the quota of the Sky Grace International Association and advanced to the all-around final.After the end, the gymnast shared her impressions of the tournament and of reaching the final of the all-around, and also noted the support of the audience:<blockquote>"I really enjoyed performing here. There's a lot of support in the hall, a very cozy and positive atmosphere. It means a lot to me because it means a lot more responsibility now. I'm very happy that I achieved this and even made it to the finals at a competition like this. I'll need to work much harder and refine my routines. I've started doing three somersaults much more often in competitions, and I'm very happy about that. In training, I practiced risky moves with three rotations under the throw more often, and that's why I've become much more consistent with them."</blockquote>The athlete thanked Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva, as well as the entire Academy team for their help in preparation:<blockquote>"My coaches and the entire Academy staff were very supportive in my preparation. It was incredibly helpful. Alina Maratovna was also in touch with us, and she gave me some very helpful and valuable advice that helped me get into the right frame of mind. She said that there are no small details, that you need to be completely focused on your apparatus, on the entire exercise. That you can't relax when you're on the floor. You can only relax when you leave the competition floor and the gym. I want to say a huge thank you to Alina Maratovna, all my coaches, the medical staff, and the entire Academy staff."</blockquote>

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In Kazan, the gymnast competed under the quota of the Sky Grace International Association and advanced to the all-around final.

Miroslava Monina shares her impressions of the Russian Junior Championship and notes the support of the audience

Coach Alia Apakova worked with Alesya Naifonova from Vladikavkaz before she moved to the Academy.At the Russian Junioe Championship, the specialist noted the gymnast's progress:<blockquote>"She's improved a lot over this time. It's clear her routine has become much more challenging, both in terms of body complexity and the risks involved. She's really improved. Significant progress is evident. Especially her new ball, it's so interesting and artistic. She's really improved in her artistic skills. Yes, it's a pleasure to watch. She likes everything, she's happy. She really wanted it. She has big goals, so the child is happy."</blockquote>She also explained why Alesya's example is important for other girls from her region:<blockquote>"Alesya is a great motivation for other children. Everyone's rooting for her, worrying about her, and keeping in touch with her. It's great. Everyone's supporting us. I think she has a lot of promise and she's working with professionals, so she'll improve in her elements, her risks, and her skills. Especially now in her artistic skills, which is important. A big thank you, of course, to the coaches who work with her, to all the choreographers, and to Alina Maratovna for this opportunity, especially for our region."</blockquote>Alesya won silver in the ribbon and bronze in the ball and the hoop at the Russian Junior Championship. Her coaches are Alina and Irina Gusarova, and Alina Protasova, and the choreographer is Ekaterina Belova.

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Alia Apakova studied with Alesya Naifonova from Vladikavkaz before she moved to the Academy.

"She is a great motivator for other children." Coach Alia Apakova talks about the progress of Alesya Naifonova

At the Russian Junior Championships, Ksenia Savinova won five gold medals in individual competitions and one in the team. These are all the gold medals of the tournament.After the end, the gymnast shared her emotions:<blockquote>"I am very happy, but it is also a big responsibility that you are the first one from the country to go to any competitions. How the competition will be remembered? Probably by the fans. They were rooting for me so much. And then they asked for a photo and an autograph. I'm really happy that so many people are rooting for me and keeping their fingers crossed."</blockquote>Choreographer Ekaterina Sergeeva worked with Ksyusha at the competition in Kazan. The athlete told why she started performing Raffaeli turns in the individual finals:<blockquote>"On the first day, I still performed with the sideward spin. And on the third day, the choreographer of Sonya Ilteryakova, Ekaterina Georgievna, came to us and helped me learn how to make the wolf turn. And we decided in the finals that we would start doing the Raffaeli spin. They are approximately the same, but you still need to understand how to enter the pivot."</blockquote>Ksyusha also thanked Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva and the entire Academy team for their help in preparation:<blockquote>"Thanks everyone who supported me, who prepared me for this competition: Alina Maratovna, Evgenia Mikhailovna, all the choreographers, doctors and staff of the Academy."</blockquote>

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The gymnast won five gold medals in individual competitions and one in the team.

Ksenia Savinova shares her impressions after the Russian Junior Championship in Kazan

Evgeniya Kurbatova, judge of the artistic team, told which of the Russian Championship participants stood out for their artistic performance:<blockquote>"The artistry panel of judges evaluates the artistic performance. Since the rules of rhythmic gymnastics changed, artistry has become more objective and it has become more fascinating for spectators. The girls were absolutely thrilling. I really liked Yana Zaikina, Ksenia Savinova, and Eva Chevtaeva. They showed incredible artistry. The productions are spectacular. The performance is excellent."</blockquote>The specialist noted which routines were the most impressive:<blockquote>"Ksenia Saliy's performance with the ribbon was excellent, simply superb. I really enjoyed Eva Chevtaeva's compositions. I liked every composition of Ksenia Savinova. And Yana Zaikina moves incredibly across the floor. That's really cool. Just like a senior gymnast already."</blockquote>

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The specialist noted which routines were the most impressive.

The judge of the artistic team, Evgenia Kurbatova, tells which of the participants of the Russian Junior Championship stood out for their artistic performance

Egle Abruzzini, the legend of rhythmic gymnastics and world sports,&nbsp; has passed away. She was 90 years old.Egle Abruzzini chaired the Technical Committee of the International Gymnastics Federation from 1984 to 2008. She became one of the key figures in rhythmic gymnastics. Thanks to the many years of work by the Italian specialist, this sport has achieved incredible progress. The gymnasts' routines became more intense and technically complex — the number of difficult and signature elements increased exactly during her tenure on the international stage. During this time, Alina Kabaeva also became the Olympic champion.Egle was known as a person of very strict moral principles, uncompromising, with an iron will and a constant pursuit of justice. These qualities helped her perform her professional role with great dignity.We express our sincere condolences to the nearest and dearest of Egle Abruzzini. We mourn together with all who knew and respected this outstanding individual. May her memory be bright.

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Egle Abruzzini, the legend of rhythmic gymnastics and world sports, has passed away

Academy group exercise gymnasts topped the list of the Russian Junior Championship in the exercise with five ribbons.The team consists of Anna Gryaznova, Elizaveta Malashenko, Alisa Kirpicheva, Alexandra Ponomareva and Kira Pryn. Their coaches are Anna Ustsova and Daria Pirogova, and the choreographer is Elena Egorova.Gymnasts from Ulyanovsk and Omsk Regions took the second and third places.

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The team consists of Anna Gryaznova, Elizaveta Malashenko, Alisa Kirpicheva, Alexandra Ponomareva and Kira Pryn.