Zaikina won the all-around of the third stage of the "Cup of the strongest" among juniors

The third stage of the "Cup of the Strongest" has ended in St. Petersburg. More than 200 participants from 10 countries came to the rhythmic gymnastics competitions. Each brought a unique program, a special mood and was charged with victory. More than 10 medals were awarded to athletes who live and train at the "Heavenly Grace" Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy of Alina Kabayeva. The details are in the story of "Izvestia" correspondent Roman Ishmukhametov.

The art of movement, where you can make a mistake in a split second, and it takes years of training to perform flawlessly. After Kazan and Moscow, St. Petersburg takes over the baton — the third stage of the "Cup of the Strongest". There are juniors and seniors, individual and group exercise teams from 10 countries on the platform.

"The podium is only a few meters away. But it is on the training mat that gymnasts repeat each element dozens or even hundreds of times in order to perform everything cleanly on the podium," the correspondent noted.

All the athletes of the "Heavenly Grace" Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy were personally supported by Alina Kabayeva. The Olympic champion inspires, encourages, takes apart every detail and helps to get ready.

Yana Zaikina memorized every word and, it seems, every intonation. Her gold in the all—around among juniors is not the first in this series. The best and in the final with a hoop.

"As they say, if you want a medal, go fight, do everything boldly, clearly, brightly, and then everything will work out," the gymnast said.

Yana is the European champion in the ribbon exercise. The gymnast takes precision: performs the most difficult turns and bundles without losing the line. This rigor also helped her in the finals of individual sports — in exercises with a ball and clubs, Yana took silver. She honed every movement with Yana's subject under the guidance of Alina Kabayeva. The training sessions were non-stop.

Another athlete of the "Heavenly Grace" Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, Alina Kabayeva, Ksenia Savinova, won silver in the all—around. She is a silver medalist at the European Championships in the hoop exercise.

Ksenia has a rare self-control for her age, she keeps the amplitude and purity of the lines to the last element. Olympic champion Alina Kabayeva is always there to help you tune in and show your best.

Ksenia became the best in three types — exercises with a ball, clubs and a ribbon. We have been preparing for this exit for a long time. And after such lessons with Alina Kabayeva, success is guaranteed.

Yana and Ksenia are part of the main Russian national team. They are coached by Evgenia Eliseeva and Olga Minigalina. Gymnast from Kazakhstan Anel Dinisheva is in third place in the all—around.

"There is a lot of competition. The girls are very friendly. I have a warm relationship with them," the athlete shared.

The junior team of the group exercises of the "Heavenly Grace" Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy of Alina Kabayeva performed brilliantly. Three gold medals: in the all-around for exercises with five balls and five ribbons. Young athletes are also part of the main national team.

"We really enjoyed the support of the audience. We were very supported, everyone shouted, and we were given a lot of posters," said Alexandra Ponomareva, the junior champion in the group exercises of the third stage of the "Strongest Cup".

They were very warmly supported. Their number with a ribbon to Tchaikovsky's music is a real fairy tale come to life. Coach Daria Pirogova and choreographer Veronika Shatkova led the team to the triumph.

"I'm very happy because the line-up has changed. We have three new people," said Daria Pirogova, coach of the junior team of group exercises at the "Heavenly Grace" Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy Alina Kabayeva.

The team worked well together in training. The long hours in the hall with the analysis of each element have borne fruit. The Olympic champion pays attention to every little thing.

According to the quota from the International Sports Support Association "Heavenly Grace", group exercise teams from Tula, Karelia, Volgograd, and St. Petersburg performed at the third stage. A chance in sports is always important, and the association gives it.

"This is a very cool opportunity for us to perform in such an arena with cool gymnasts of such a high level," said Victoria Haryutina, a senior gymnast of the group exercises team.

But the main victory at this start is a victory over circumstances. Senorka Varvara Toporova joined Alina Kabayeva's "Heavenly Grace" Academy only at the beginning of the year. Due to injury, it's a long break. And immediately a triumphant return. Gold in the all-around! Varvara's coaches are Irina and Alina Gusarova.

"The people who supported me did a very good job of improving my self—belief," the gymnast shared.

Varya is the best in exercises with clubs and a ribbon, the second with a ball, and the third with a hoop. The most difficult moment for anyone coming back from an injury is doubt. And, of course, Alina Kabayeva helps to cope with it.

Ulyana Janus won silver in the all-around. Alexandra Borisova, who lives and trains at Alina Kabayeva's "Heavenly Grace" Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, ranks third in total points. But according to the rules of the competition, there can only be two participants from one country on the podium. That's why Anna Kamenshchikova from Belarus won the bronze. In individual sports, Alexandra Borisova took gold for the hoop exercise.

A bright stage. The next stop of the series is crucial. The final of the "Cup of the Strongest" will be held in Moscow. The winners of the trophy will be determined there.

On August 23, Russian gymnasts took first place in the medal standings of the European Gymnastics Championships, which ended in Zagreb. According to the results of the men's, women's and junior competitions, Russian athletes won 10 gold, 12 silver and six bronze medals. The second place in the competition was taken by the Italian team with four gold, six silver and five bronze medals. The third place went to the gymnasts of Great Britain, who won four gold and six bronze medals.