Shelby Kisiel - A Rising American Rhythmic Star

The talented Shelby Kisiel started training rhythmic gymnastics in 2006 when she was already 12. Even though most gymnasts start at a much earlier age (5-8 years) old, Shelby seems to have caught up with them very fast. This year, at the Montreal World Cup, Shelby placed 10th the all around and 6th with hoop. Last year at the same event she was 13th in the all around and did not make the event finals. Shelby's progress is evident not only in these results but mostly in her beautiful routines, full of exciting throws and catches, lots of stunning flexibility and strong choreography. In Montreal this year, Shelby demonstrated very clean lines and wonderful expression with the music. 

This level of athletic mastery, of course, is the product of a lot of work and determination. In order to train at the North Shore Rhythmics in Chicago, Shelby moved to another state and now lives away from her family. She spends an average of 40 hours a week at practice. Here is what her coaches,Natasha Klimouk and Dani Takova, who call her "Shelbinka," say about Shelby on her website. 

“...Shelby is a very talented gymnast‐ 3 years in rhythmic gymnastics and she has made the U.S. National Team… this is unheard of. She has trained in Russia in the Olympic Training Center and has worked with World and Olympic champions‐ she has the highest potential to represent our country at the World Championships and in the 2012 Olympic Games.”

I think this gymnast has a great future and I do hope to see her in many other competitions, where she can keep placing among the world's best. A fun fact from Shelby' s website is her favorite candy: microwaved twizzlers. I have to admit I love twizzlers but it's never occurred to me to microwave them. I am tempted to try :)

While I do that, please enjoy some pictures of Shelby's graceful moments in Montreal:

American Rhythmic Star Julie Zetlin Places Sixth with Ribbon at the World Cup

Last year, twenty-year-old Julie Zetlin became the first American to make the all-around finals at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships. This year, at the first 2011 World Cup event, Julie placed 8th with clubs and ball, and 6th with ribbon, performing what was, in my opinion, a world class ribbon routine.

For her clubs routine, on the other hand, Julie wore the most colorful leotard I ever saw; it really had more colors than the rainbow ;-):

Julie, who is originally from Gaithersburg, MD, trains with Olga Kutuzova at Capital Rhythmics and is also the Pan American champion. Let's wish her continuous success in 2011! Enjoy more pictures of the best U.S. gymnast:

Montreal 2011: Interesting gymnasts from Australia, Argentina and Finland

It has been a while since I have watched a gymnast from Australia live. The 18-year old from Brisbane, Danielle Prince, was certainly an interesting competitor to watch, among the predominantly European gymnasts. She has a lot of enthusiasm and a very expressive presence on the floor. I really liked her make-up and leotards. I especially like the black and green combination.

The gymnast from Argentina, Ana Milagros Carrasco Pini, is also very interesting. I haven't watched a strong Argentine gymnast since the last time I saw Anahi Sosa. This gymnast is very different from Anahi. She is all about being fierce, expressive and dramatic. I am very happy she made the ribbon final where she performed in a black leotard and a bright yellow ribbon (video to come soon). Here are some pictures showing the unmistakably dramatic style of this gymnast.

Quite different from the bright-colored and dramatic style of Ana Milagros, the Finish gymnast Silja Ahonen stood out with her beautifully braided hairstyle and soft-colored, but truly glamorous, leotards that emphasize her beautiful figure. Silja had a bit of a mishap with ribbon that we caught on camera. She and the ribbon had different ideas of how to finish the routine. But she certainly remained very poised and very cute throughout.

Please visit my blog again for pictures of the Americans Shelby Kisiel and Julie Zetlin, Kazakhstan prima Anna Alyabyeva, as well as the Russian stars Lukonina and Mamun.