Bulgaria capped a successful home European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Varna with a haul of eight medals, as the return of Russian and Belarus athletes to continental competition drew widespread attention. The championship marks the ongoing reshaping of the sport with the introduction of the All-Around category.
Held at the Palace of Culture and Sports, the championship featured senior and junior events, team competitions and apparatus finals, while also serving as a qualifier for the upcoming World Championships. The spring of Bangaranga featured more than 370 athletes from 43 countries.
Bulgaria emerged as one of the championship’s standout nations, with Stiliana Nikolova leading the senior team with a gold medal in clubs. The hosts won four gold and four silver medals.
Russia came back in style
Their new face depicted in the brilliant Sofiia Ilteriakova’s gold medal hoop performance at only 15. Their new generation grabbed a silver in the team hoops and clubs event, behind Spain and ahead of Israel, as well as the All-Around silver medal.
This season’s return of Russian and Belarusian athletes added a new dimension to the competition landscape. As back to back European champions, Spain face the challenge of once again competing against the sport’s traditional powerhouses.
This decision hasn’t been without controversy. Ukrainian gymnasts wore headphones during the intonation of the Russian and Belarus national anthem, underscoring the geopolitical tensions that continue to surround international sport. Questions were also raised by the unchallenged participation of Israel.
Team Serbia and the preparation for the Nationals
Serbia was represented in both Junior and Senior events, marking their course to be represented at the World’s most important stages.
Lena Lazić and Dušica Zujko performed in the Junior events, while Maša Nikolić, Nikolina Leković and Anđela Mazibrada competed in the Senior’s, gaining valuable international experience.
The girls are on a tight schedule, considering that the Serbian national championship continues this week in Belgrade. Individual C and A categories on June 6th and 7th, followed by the World Cups in Romania and Italy. Finally this year’s World Championship (August 12-16) awaits us in Frankfurt.
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