Triumph of Russia; two bronze medals go to Azerbaijan.
Author: VK
Nizhny Novgorod greeted the last day (May, 28) of the European Rhythmic Gymnastic Championships with rain. But the seats of the Nagorny Palace of Sport were still full. The hula-hoops were flying, ribbons were twirling, clubs were whirling and the sporting event continued. The competition among the juniors for medals was very tough. That day young artistes were competing for five sets of awards. Russian gymnasts again showed that nobody can compare to them in the art of working with objects. All five gold medals went to Russia.
The Belorussians got five silvers. The main competition was for the bronze. Georgian gymnast Gabriela Gvadelidze came third in the exercises with clubs. Ukrainian Anastasia Mulmina got bronze for her performance with the ball. Thanks to the effort of the coach Marianna Vasilieva, the flag of Azerbaijan went up twice. Nilufar Naftaliyeva got third place for her work with the hula-hoop. Gulsum Shafizade after her exciting performance also got third place. The fans of Azerbaijan support their junior gymnasts with excitement.
Rasim Kuliev, head of the youth organization of the Azerbaijani national and cultural community in Nizhny Novgorod
There were a lot of Russian fans and many fewr Azeris, therefore we were supporting our ethnic home country, where we came from. First of all I
should say that Russia and Azerbaijan are friends forever, isn’t it so? - Yes – Secondly, the Azeri gymnasts who are our sisters showed what Azeri
women are like – they are feminine, passionate and can show high class in gymnastics, yes?
Gulsum Shafizade, the bronze prize winner of the European Championship in Rhythmic Gymnastics
Of course I was very worried, but I am certainly very happy that I got a medal. I think I will continue my training to bring more medals to my country, perhaps even gold medals.
Marianna Vasilyeva, the coach of the Azerbaijani team
I can say that this European championship went better than the previous time. Our junior team came fifth in the team total and we managed to take two bronze medals. Aliya Garayeva pleased us with her bronze medal in the combined competition, the same as last year. What will the next competition be? Where will we see you again? Of course, the main start is the Olympic Games, where Aliya will be competing for medals. Before that there will be the world cup in Minsk, I wish her good luck. Thus, the rehearsal of the Olympics went successfully and London can bring us some positive surprise.
