Larissa Lukyanenko Returns...as a Judge with Red Hair

Remember a stunning, breath-taking gymnast from Belarus, who frequently won against stars like Kostina, Petrova, Vitrichenko, Serebryanskaya, Zaripova?

When the Bulgarian TV comentator first saw this gymnast, she said, "God gave this girl so much talent, he forgot to stop."

Yes, I am talking about Larissa Lukyanenko from Belarus who I was thrilled to see as a judge at this year's World Cup in Montreal. Here are a couple of shots of Larissa in her new role.

For those of you who need a memory refresher, I am just going to say that among Larissa's many titles are the gold medals with rope at the 1992, 1995 and the 1996 World Championships. Wow, three rope gold medals! In 1992 she also won both European and World golds with hoop.In 1993 Larissa was second after Petrova in the all around the European Cup in Malaga but won the ball and clubs. She also won the European Cup Final with rope and ball in 1995 and got gold with clubs at the European championships in 1994. I still think rope was Larissa's best apparatus and here is an original and versatile routine that makes me feel sorry that the rope will not be used anymore in rhythmic gymnastics:



I think Larissa was one of the most memorable gymnasts of the 20th century and I wish her a meaningful and exciting career as an international judge. Perhaps she can help bring the rope back!

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: