| Tomorrow the 21st European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships will start at the capital's Olimpiyskiy sports complex. Over the course of three days in the Russian capital, medals will be played out in the team championship and in individual all-around events. Applications for participation were submitted by 181 athletes from 31 countries of the Old World. As the host of the championship, Russia, unlike other federations represented by two athletes, has the right to nominate three participants. The Russian trio included Irina Chashchina, Olga Kapranova and Vera Sesina. Chashchina will perform in all four disciplines, and Sesina and Kapranova in two.
According to the head coach of the Russian national team, Irina Viner, the upcoming championship promises to be interesting for several reasons. The European Championships will be held according to new rules adopted by the International Gymnastics Federation. Their essence boils down to the fact that if previously combinations were evaluated, now each element is evaluated separately. “Innovations will make rhythmic gymnastics more athletic, since specialization is replacing universalism,” says Wiener. This is also facilitated by additional factors when assigning the final grade, such as artistry and body control, which were previously paid less attention to. “According to the new rules in rhythmic gymnastics, you can do absolutely everything, and this will undoubtedly increase the entertainment value,” Wiener is sure.
Experts predict intense competition between gymnasts from Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria. This is confirmed by the results of the World Cup stages held in May. Thus, at the competition in Corbeil-Essonne, Russian Irina Chashchina won in three types of program - with a jump rope, clubs and ribbon, thereby demonstrating excellent form. A week later, at the stage in Baku, Olga Kapranova won the competition with the ball and rope, and Vera Sesina excelled in exercises with clubs.
The main competitors of the Russians have already arrived in Moscow - Ukrainians Anna Bessonova and Natalya Godunko, as well as Bulgarians Simona Peycheva and Elizabeth Paysieva. The performance of Peycheva, who missed last season due to doping problems, at the World Cup stages was not impressive. While the athlete is far from her best condition.
In addition, the upcoming championship will be interesting from the point of view of the non-participation of the recognized leader of world gymnastics Alina Kabaeva. It’s too early to say that Alina has made the final decision to leave big-time sports. Not long ago, Kabaeva began training at the base in Novogorsk and plans to take part in the final gala concert of the championship. The information that appeared that Alina was seriously injured and would not be able to go on the carpet turned out to be nothing more than rumors. “As soon as Kabaeva stumbles, journalists instantly make a mountain out of a mountain,” explained Irina Viner. “Of course, no one is immune from injuries, but for now I can definitely say that the Moscow public will see Kabaeva.”
At the urgent request of the European Gymnastics Federation, perhaps for the first time at competitions of this rank, unprecedented safety measures have been taken. For example, before receiving accreditation, journalists must sign a special document according to which they undertake to comply with the listed requirements. In particular, communicate with athletes only in the mixed zone and during press conferences. Otherwise, violators will be fined. Nothing like this has ever happened, even at tennis tournaments. And coming to terms with this will be problematic for Russian authors who are accustomed to informal communication with domestic athletes. Olga ERMOLINA
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