The Superhero Gymnasts from Team Egypt

The African continent is very under-represented in gymnastics, especially in the types of gymnastics where females compete, like rhythmic. This is not news. What is also not news is that, in the beginning of each season, very few of the teams, even from countries with  a great gymnastics tradition, are ready to show their group routines. Only three groups went to Grand Prix Moscow in the winter of 2017 and some teams will not showcase their new work until late spring. Among the first to be ready to perform this year were the athletes from Russia, the Bulgarians, and...unexpectedly.. Egypt! It was very brave of team Egypt to perform at an early season event, which most teams in the world often miss including medal winners such as Italy, Spain, Belarus, Israel, Greece, China and Ukraine, who have all have had claims for top spots at the world level.

When we consider how many long decades of training, tradition and podium standings countries like Russia and Bulgaria have, for this team to have come out as the third team in the event was absolutely superhero material. In fairness, all three teams made mistakes but Egypt showed that it is never too late, nor to early, to start something new if you have passion, and have courage.

When I was watching triple-world champion Petrova compete in the 1990s, I became aware that some gymnasts from Egypt had come to train at the "Gerena" gym with legendary coach Neshka Robeva  from Bylgaria and her team at the time. Many years passed and though we have seen individual gymnasts from Egypt, I think building both a senior and a junior group is a spectacular achievement for their country. The routines they showed had complexity and potential, especially for a team that is so young and new to the big scene.

My impression from Egypt was that the hoop routine was well crafted to show the gymnasts' abilities but they were somewhat more nervous in performing it than in the mixed routine with ropes and balls, which they just did with smiles on their faces. I enjoyed the music in this routine very much and the general positive mood that the team radiated to the audience. I also thought the leotards and the make up were looking great for a brand new group. It is very challenging to use rope in a senior routine because it has been a while since we have seen rope included in the program for both individuals and groups. This team did a great job for a start of the season, which is, for them, also a start of a new endeavor altogether. 

Valentine's Day in Soldatova's Red

Aleksandra Soldatova looks spectacular with her new red leotard and hoop routine. Soldatova is one of the most talented gymnasts in the world and it was unfortunate that she could not participate in the Rio Olympics.

This year Soldatova will have her chance to win more medals and to establish herself as the top Russian gymnast and possibly as the best gymnasts in the world. Her strongest rival will be the illustrious Ukrainian, Ganna Rizatdinova. My personal preference is for Soldatova, who I think could be unbeatable if she had more original and exciting choreography. Overall, I think she is the more versatile and artistic gymnast of the two.

I love watching her and I am really looking forward to seeing he win. So, for today's Valentine's Day, I would like to wish you:

• to surround yourself with talented people who bring you joy and excitement;
• to truly show your love to those you love;
• to do the things you love better than ever;
• and, of course, to see your favorite gymnasts win! :)

Boryana Kaleyn's Modern Style 2017 Routines

Boryana Kaleyn has already built a reputation as one of the most promising young Bulgarian gymnasts. As a junior, Boryana won the bronze with ball at the Junior European Championship in 2014. Needless to say, Boryana's dream is to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Last year Boryana already showed 3 new routines. She has worked on mastering new skills as she is now in action with the senior gymnasts. Her coaches have decided to use music with lyrics for 2 routines, which is a  bold choice. But the changes to her style and the distinct music with lyrics may be happening too fast. I agree with some of the Spanish fans comments in YouTube which say that sometimes music with lyrics may feel more appropriate for a gala, rather than a competition routine.

Sometimes the unusual music will somewhat distract the judges from the difficulty and the purity of the elements performed and, may, in some sense, take away from the gymnast's personal presence.

Still, the routines are interesting and "catchy" because of more than just the catches! So I am posting them below for more fans to see and hope Boryana will shine in 2017.


ball: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVodn1gHsxw
hoop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzV8BuMyi3Q
ribbon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCkuu-rOXWA