2010 Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Junior Championships
Tashkent (UZB), February 16 – 19, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, March 11, 2010: On February 16 – 19, Tashkent (UZB) hosted the 2010 Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Junior Championships, an Asian qualifying event for the 1st Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore this summer.

A total of nine countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Japan, Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) participated in a competition that was witnessed by 2,500 fans on-site and scads of TV spectators.

Six nations divvied up the medals, with Uzbekistan dominating the Individual events led by Aziza Mamadjanova, who won Gold on Hoop, Ball and Clubs and Silver on Rope. Her compatriot Husniyabonu Gulomova took off with the Gold on Rope and Sarvina Khalikova slid into second on Hoop. Silver on Ball and Clubs went to Malaysian Lee Wan Nin, while Kazakhstan settled for Bronze on Hoop (Yuliya Semenova), Ball and Clubs (Yuliya Kizima). China got their share on Rope (Bronze, Li Yun).

“All of us – your loved ones, coaches and the whole country, are proud of you and your victory, which has once again confirmed the high authority of the Uzbek school of gymnastics! I believe that we will celebrate your glittering and outstanding performances on many more occasions in the future," said Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva, President of the Gymnastics Federation of Uzbekistan, congratulating Uzbek gymnasts.

In Groups, Japan impressed with two Gold winning exercises on 4 Hoops and 4 Ribbons. The Group from China finished second in both categories and Uzbekistan (4 Hoops) and Singapore (4 Ribbons) climbed the podium in third.

FIG Technical Committee Member and head judge for these championships Noha Abou Shabana (EGY) gave a high appraisal of gymnasts and organisers alike. On the first day of the tournament, at a press conference involving AGU President A-Rahman Al-Shathri, Yousef Al-Tabbaa and Lola Karimova-Tillyaeva, Abou Shabana tagged gymnasts of Uzbekistan, Japan, Kazakhstan and China as potential winners.

Results (as published by the Asian Gymnastics Union)*

Individual All-around Final
Individual Apparatus Final
Group Finals

*Results for the Youth Olympic Games Qualification will be communicated at a later date.

For YOG qualification, Asian Juniors will also compete at the Asian Junior Artistic and Trampoline Gymnastics Championships to be held in Chiba (JPN) on March 13 – 16, 2010.

FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup A
Debrecen (HUN), March 6 – 7, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, March 10, 2010: Olympic and World Champion from Russia Evgenia Kanaeva once again proved her supremacy among the international rhythmic elite. The 19 year old carried the day on all four apparatus at the FIG World Cup in Debrecen (HUN) last weekend. Kanaeva was joined on the podium by her compatriots Daria Dmitrieva (Silver on Rope and Ball) and Daria Kondakova (Silver on Hoop and Ribbon), while three Bronze medals went to Belarus, namely to Melitina Staniouta (Rope and Ribbon) and Liubouv Chakashyna (Ball). Silviya Miteva (BUL) went home with Bronze on Hoop.

The host country’s number one rhythmic gymnast Dora Vass qualified for the Hoop Final and finished on rank seven.

Also in Groups, the Russian gymnasts topped the rankings, relegating Belarus to rank two in both exercises. Israel managed Bronze on five Hoops and the Group from Azerbaijan finished third on three Ribbons and two Ropes.

Hungary’s rhythmic Group ranked seventh (5 Hoops) and fifth (3 Ribbons + 2 Ropes) respectively.

Individuals

Rope

1 Evgenia Kanaeva RUS 28,950
2 Daria Dmitrieva RUS 27,925
3 Melitina Staniouta BLR 27,250
4 Aliya Garayeva AZE 26,400
5 Anna Gurbanova AZE 26,400
6 Anna Alyabyeva KAZ 26,350
7 Silviya D. Miteva BUL 25,725
8 Liubouv Chakashyna BLR 24,700

Hoop

1 Evgenia Kanaeva RUS 28,900
2 Daria Kondakova RUS 28,150
3 Silviya D. Miteva BUL 28,075
4 Anna Alyabyeva KAZ 26,950
5 Aliya Garayeva AZE 26,775
6 Hanna Rabtsava BLR 26,500
7 Liubouv Chakashyna BLR 26,500
8 Vass Dóra HUN 25,300
9 Anna Gurbanova AZE 25,150

Ball

1 Evgenia Kanaeva RUS 28,950
2 Daria Dmitrieva RUS 28,625
3 Liubouv Chakashyna BLR 27,625
4 Melitina Staniouta BLR 27,250
5 Silviya D. Miteva BUL 26,950
6 Anna Gurbanova AZE 26,600
7 Aliya Garayeva AZE 26,600
8 Caroline Weber AUT 25,700

Ribbon

1 Evgenia Kanaeva RUS 29,025
2 Daria Kondakova RUS 27,850
3 Melitina Staniouta BLR 27,525
4 Liubouv Chakashyna BLR 26,700
5 Aliya Garayeva AZE 26,550
6 Silviya D. Miteva BUL 26,375
7 Caroline Weber AUT 25,675
8 Anna Gurbanova AZE 25,075

Groups

5 Hoops

1 Russia RUS 28,150
2 Belarus BLR 27,800
3 Israel ISR 26,400
4 Azerbaidjan AZE 26,225
5 Poland POL 24,850
6 Austria AUT 24,300
7 Hungary HUN 24,000
8 Brasil BRA 22,650

3 Ribbons + 2 Ropes

1 Russia RUS 27,650
2 Belarus BLR 26,825
3 Azerbaidjan AZE 26,150
4 Israel ISR 25,150
5 Hungary HUN 24,400
6 Brasil BRA 23,350
7 Poland POL 21,750
8 Austria AUT 21,300

Have a look at the detailed results!
Individuals
Groups

FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup A
Portimao (POR), March 11 – 14, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, March 10, 2010: The beautiful city of Portimao, located on the southern coast of Portugal in the region of Algarve, will be setting the stage for the third event of the 2010 FIG World Cup Series in Rhythmic Gymnastics from March 11 – 14.

FIG RG World Cups in Portimao

The Gymnastics Federation of Portugal and the City of Portimao have organised this World Cup competition annually since 2006 in the Portimao Arena, which boasts a 4,000 spectator capacity. A modern and unique venue, the Arena is equipped with optimal facilities for gymnastics, and has been called the “Gymnasts’ Nest” for more reasons than just great audience participation. The 24 year old partnership that binds the Gymnastics Federation of Portugal and Portimao City Hall is driven by the intent to promote Rhythmic Gymnastics within the city, taking advantage of the fantastic conditions it has to offer. And fans are the first to benefit from it! An open door policy means free admission to the event!

World Cups in Portugal

In 2006, Portimao was the first Portuguese city to host a FIG World Cup / Series event. Encouraged by the outcome of the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup, other Portuguese cities have applied for and obtained FIG World Cup events, e.g. Loulé for Trampoline Gymnastics, first held in 2009. The year 2010 is a milestone in the history of gymnastics in Portugal with four FIG World Cup / Series events! After Portimao, Ponta Delgada/Azores will host Aerobics in April, Porto/Madeira will welcome Artistic in June and Loulé will again become Trampoline’s capital city in September! A full year of gymnastics for athletes and fans in Portugal!

The line-up

A line-up of 45 individual gymnasts and 15 groups from a total of 26 countries are expected to compete in Portimao, and all the top players are in! Russia will line up with Evgenia Kanaeva, Daria Kondakova, Daria Dmitrieva and Yana Lukonina, Belarus will feature Meliltina Staniouta and Liubov Charkashyna, and we’ll also see Bulgarian Sliviya Miteva, Anna Alyabyeva from Kazakhstan, Austrian Caroline Weber and Azerbaijanis Aliya Garaeyeva and Anna Gurbanova.

For Portugal, two newcomers to the senior circuit: Jéssica Jardim (from Madeira) and Joana Cardoso (Lisbon) face trying to live up to last cycle’s Portuguese legacy as they prepare for the 2011 World Championships – the first qualifying event for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

In Groups, after last weekend’s World Cup in Debrecen (HUN), Russia, Belarus, Israel and Azerbaijan will again show off their talent while the 2009 World Champions from Italy make their World Cup debut of the season in Portimao.

Check complete entry lists here!
Individuals
Groups

2009 title holders

Rope - KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – 27.950
Hoop - BESSONOVA Anna (UKR) – 28.150
Ball - KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – 28.300
Ribbon - SESINA Vera (RUS) – 28.050
Group 5x - Belarus
Group - 3x + 2x: Japan

As a FIG category A World Cup and with more prize money and World Ranking points available than at category B tournaments, the competition is especially attractive for participating gymnasts. In addition, the competition will be televised by host broadcaster RTP (Radio Televisao de Portugaland).

Further information on the tournament can be found online at http://portimaofigworldcup.webnode.com.pt/

The next stopover of the 2010 FIG World Cup circuit in Rhythmic Gymnastics will be in Kalamata (GRE) on March 26 – 28, followed by St Petersburg (RUS) and Bremen (GER) in April.

FIG International Judges’ Course for Rhythmic Gymnastics

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, March 8, 2010: An International Judges’ Course for Rhythmic Gymnastics and the XII Olympic Cycle took place in the new Dorpat conference centre in Tartu (EST) on February 11 – 17, 2010. FIG Experts Maria Szyszkowska (POL), FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics TC President, and Irina Viner (RUS) were present, as were candidates from 11 countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden and Tunisia). Because the “Miss Valentine 2010” international RG tournament was running simultaneously in Tartu, course participants had an opportunity to observe the event and discuss cases in point from the RG tournament during the lectures.

The course, held in Russian and translated into English, concluded with a practical exam on February 15, and a theoretical exam on February 16. 44 participants passed the exams and received a Brevet IV.

Many thanks to Janika Mölder and the Janika Gymnastics Club staff for the organisation of both the “Miss Valentine 2010” and the course, which was a great success. According to Maria Szyszkowska, the Tartu Dorpat conference centre, with its optimal facilities and wide range of options, is an ideal place for future FIG International Judges’ Courses.

1st Youth Olympic Games
Singapore (SIN), August 14 – 26, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, March 4, 2010: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently held a contest to select the design that would adorn the front side of the first Youth Olympic Games medals. The Games are set for August 14 - 26, 2010 in Singapore.

Candidates were asked to submit their entries by December 4, 2009, after which time Internet users could vote for their favourite pick up until January 22, 2010. In the final round, the 10 most popular projects were presented to an IOC-appointed jury for selection of the winning design.

The IOC announced yesterday, on March 3, that Setsuko Fukuzawa is the grand prize winner of the Medal Design Competition. For her submission, lucky Setsuko was rewarded a visit for two to the Singapore Youth Olympic Games. Congratulations!

To read more about Setsuko’s project, click here!

FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup A
Debrecen (HUN), March 6 – 7, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, March 2, 2010: A line-up of 28 individual rhythmic gymnasts and 9 groups from 17 different countries are expected at the 2nd FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup in Debrecen (HUN), March 6 – 7, 2010. After the season’s opening in Montreal end of January, this event marks the second competition in a total of eight FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup competitions this year.

International Gymnastics competitions in Hungary

The Hungarian Gymnastics Federation has a long-standing tradition in Rhythmic Gymnastics; the country had the honour of hosting the sport’s very first World Championships in Budapest in 1963. The capital also welcomed the international rhythmic elite in 1996 and 2003 for the 20th and 26th World Championships and hosted a first World Cup in 2009. Located 220 km east of Budapest, Debrecen is the country’s second largest city and boasts the spectacular Debreceni Fönix Csarnok sports hall, venue for the 36th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in 2002. Having organised four European Championships (1 RG and 3 AER) over the past 10 years, the Hungarian Organising Committee impresses with exceptional operating experience, and plans to make this FIG World Cup stopover an annual event.

Line-up in Debrecen

The Hungarian delegation is led by the country’s top individual rhythmic gymnast, 18 year old Dora Vass, who qualified for the Individual All-around Final at last year’s worlds in Mie (JPN). Vass, who is hoping to participate in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, will face strong competition in Debrecen. Key players in the Individual category include Evgenia Kanaeva, Daria Kondakova, Daria Dmitrieva, Yana Lukonina (all RUS), Aliya Garaeyeva and Anna Gurbanova from Azerbaijan, Belarusian Melitina Staniouta and Sliviya Miteva (BUL).
In the absence of Italy, the traditionally strong Russian and Belarusian groups are expected to make it to the podium, with a definite fighting chance for Azerbaijan and Israel.

Check out the complete World Cup roster for Debrecen!
Individuals
Groups

2009 Title holders:

Rope: KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – 27.400
Hoop: KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – 27.725
Ball: KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – 27.950
Ribbon: SESINA Vera (RUS) – 28.200
Group 5x: Belarus
Group 3x + 2x: Bulgaria

As a FIG category A World Cup and with more prize money and World Ranking points available than at category B tournaments, the competition is especially attractive for participating gymnasts. In addition, the competition will be televised by host broadcaster Magyar Televízió.

Further information on the tournament can be found online at http://www.rgszovetseg.hu/.

The next Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup circuit stopovers are set for Portimao (POR) on March 11 – 14 and Kalamata (GRE) on March 26 – 28, 2010.

10th African Championships 2010 in ART, RG, TRA and AER
Walvis Bay (NAM), March 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, March 1, 2010: This month, junior and senior gymnasts hailing from Africa will gather in Walvis Bay (NAM) to compete at the 10th African Championships 2010. Competitions will be held in Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline and Aerobic Gymnastics. For Olympic disciplines, junior tournaments will qualify eligible gymnasts for the 1st Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Singapore this summer. With a limit of one gymnast per NOC (1 Group in the case of Rhythmic Groups = 4 gymnasts), Africa has been allocated the following quota for the YOG:

MAG and WAG: 2 gymnasts each; RG: 2 Individuals and 1 Group (= 4 gymnasts); and TRA: 1 male and 1 female gymnast.

In addition, each competition allows for a certain number of what are referred to as NOC universality places, which guarantee the representation of all continents, as stipulated by the IOC.

YOG competition format and athlete eligibility

Artistic Gymnastics

The Youth Olympic Games competition format for Artistic Gymnastics is as follows: All gymnasts (42 boys and 42 girls) compete as individuals in a qualifying event, the results of which are used to identify the Individual All-around and Apparatus finalists. Gymnasts compete on all six apparatus for boys and on all four apparatus for girls. The best 18 male and female gymnasts from the qualifications proceed to the Individual All-around Finals, and the top eight who placed highest on each apparatus compete for the apparatus titles.

While for both the boys’ and girls’ competitions 28 gymnasts qualify via the FIG, 13 spots are reserved as NOC universality places in order to guarantee the representation of each continent, with one extra place for the host country. Continental quotas have been allocated as follows: 14 spots for Europe, 7 for Asia (including 1 spot for the host country), 2 for Africa, 5 for America and 1 for Oceania.

The required age for Artistic gymnasts to be eligible to participate in the Singapore Youth Olympic Games is 16-17 years for boys (born in 1993 or 1994), and 15 years for girls (born in 1995). Gymnasts must qualify at their Junior Continental Championships and may not have previously participated at FIG senior competitions or multi-sport games. A maximum of one male and one female athlete is allowed per NOC.

All gymnasts must have reached the following minimum standards: Boys as well as girls must participate on all apparatus and reach an average minimum execution score of 7.5, thus a total execution score of at least 45 points for MAG and 30 points for WAG.

Rhythmic Gymnastics

The Youth Olympic Games feature two events in Rhythmic Gymnastics: Individual All-around and Group All-around. Individuals compete on Rope, Hoop, Ball and Clubs; Groups on 4 Hoops and 4 Ribbons. A total of 18 Individual gymnasts and six Groups will qualify for Singapore. The continental quotas have been allocated as follows: In Individuals, Europe gets 6 spots, Asia 3 (including 1 spot for the host country), Africa 2, America 2 and Oceania 1. Four spots are reserved as NOC universality places in order to guarantee the representation of each continent. These will have an opportunity to send one Rhythmic Group to the Youth Olympic Games, with an extra spot for Asia as the host country.

Gymnasts competing in the Singapore Youth Olympic Games must be 15 years old (born in 1995) and may not have participated in FIG senior competitions or multi-sport games prior to the event. Additionally, they must fulfil specified performance criteria. In Individual, gymnasts must participate at all apparatus and reach an average minimum execution score of 7.5, thus a total of 30 points minimum. Groups must reach a minimum average execution score of 7.5 points in both exercises, which means at a minimum 15 points total.

Trampoline Gymnastics

In Trampoline Gymnastics the YOG programme schedules an individual competition for boys and one for girls. Each qualification round consists of two routines of 10 skills, and the top eight male and female athletes qualify for the Finals. Each final round consists of one routine of 10 skills.

A total of 12 gymnasts each will qualify for Singapore, whereas Europe takes three spots, Asia two (including one for the host country), America also two, and Africa and Oceania one spot each. Three spots are reserved as NOC universality places.
The required age for Trampoline gymnasts eligible for the Singapore Youth Olympic Games is 16-17 years (born in 1993 or 1994) for both boys and girls.

As in Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics, athletes must qualify at their Junior Continental Championships and may not have participated in FIG senior competitions or multi-sport games prior to the event. A maximum of one male and one female athlete is allowed per NOC.

Competition Schedule 2010 African Championships

Artistic Gymnastics

Wednesday, March 3: Competition I, II and IV, Junior / Senior
Thursday, March 4: Competition III, Senior
Friday, March 5: Competition III, Senior

Rhythmic and Aerobic Gymnastics

Sunday, March 7: Competition I, II and IV, Junior / Senior / Groups
Monday, March 8: Competition III, Junior / Senior & AER Finals
Tuesday, March 9: Competition III, Junior / Senior

Trampoline Gymnastics

Thursday, March 11: Competition TRA TUM, Junior / Senior & TUM Finals
Friday, March 12: TRA Finals, Junior / Senior & DMT Qualification / Finals
For the detailed programme click here!

Read a related article at Namibia Sport!

FIG Academy Working Group for Rhythmic Gymnastics

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, February 25, 2010: A meeting of the Academy Working Group for Rhythmic Gymnastics concluded an intensive three-week series of five FIG Academy Programme events held at the FIG Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI). The month of February began with an Academy-Seminar for the FIG Rhythmic Technical Committee. This was followed by meetings of the Academy Working Groups for Aerobic-, Trampoline- and Acrobatic Gymnastics. And finally, on February 22-24, it was the turn of the working group for Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Rhythmic Gymnastics, as did the other disciplines, used the meeting to prepare the curriculum, content and resources for the first Level 3 Academies planned for January 2011. In addition, the working group reviewed all documents, resources and lectures from the previous six Level 1 and 2 academies held in 2008 and 2009. Much work needed to be done on these earlier technical manuals because of changes to the Code of Points. The new manuals for all levels and for all disciplines will focus on the education of coaches independent of specific references to the codes.

Present at the meeting were FIG Vice President Slava Corn, Daniela Della Chiaie of Italy (member the FIG Technical Committee for Rhythmic Gymnastics), Natalia Gorbulina (the national coach of Russia), Nadia Alexandrova (the British National Coach), Professors Claude Ferrand of France and Nota Klentrou of Canada, Hardy Fink (Director of FIG Education & Academy Programmes) and Olivia Bille Peña (Manager of FIG Education Programmes). Unable to attend was Nina Vytrichenko of Spain. In addition, Victoria Ataol served as translator among the Russian, French and English languages that are used throughout the meetings.  

What has served the Academy Programme well at all meetings, is that once the business items were finished, the working group used the rest of the meeting as a working meeting to review and modify the documents, resources and technical manuals from the Level 1 and 2 academies. A major update was made to the Level 1 and 2 Technical Manuals and also to the Age Group Resource DVD that is given to all coaches that attend an academy. The Level 3 manual was begun as well as the technical and theoretical lectures.

Rhythmic Academies will be held in Namibia, Portugal, Brazil and Egypt this year. That first Level 3 Academy planned for next January will be used to invite the coaches of the world’s most successful countries.

Rhythmic Gymnastics Grand Prix
Moscow (RUS), February 20 – 21, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, February 23, 2010: The 2010 Rhythmic Gymnastics Grand Prix circuit, held February 20 – 21 in Moscow (RUS), started off well for the host country’s rhythmic gymnasts. 2009 title holder on all apparatus Evgenia Kanaeva took the Gold on Hoop and Ball, but was relegated to second rank this year by her 18 year old team-mate Daria Kondakova on Rope and Ribbon. With 113.850 points for Kanaeva and 112.200 for Kondakova, the two Russians placed first and second in the All-around ranking, just ahead of Belarusian Melitina Staniouta (109.800), who took home Silver on Hoop and Bronze on Rope and Ball. Aliya Garaeva (AZE), who placed fifth overall (107.950), captured the Bronze on Hoop and Ribbon.

In the Gazprom Cup’s Group competitions, Russia finished first on 5 Hoops as well as on 3 Ribbons and 2 Ropes, followed by Belarus in both exercises. Azerbaijan settled for Bronze on 5 Hoops while Japan took third on 3 Ribbons and 2 Ropes. 

In addition to the Grand Prix and Gazprom Cup, an international juniors’ competition in Individuals and Groups also took place in Russia’s capital.

Grand Prix Qualification - All-Around
1 Kanaeva Evgenia -Russia - 113,850
2 Kondakova Daria -Russia - 112,200
3 Staniouta Melitina -Belarus - 109,800
4 Dmitrieva Darya -Russia - 108,950
5 Garaeva Aliya -Azerbaijan - 107,950
6 Lukonina Yana -Russia - 106,850
7 Mitrosz Joanna -Poland - 106,625
8 Risenzon Irina -Israel - 106,075
9 Alyabyeva Anna -Kazakhstan - 101,650
10 Rivkin Neta -Israel - 100,325
11 Ledoux Delphine -France - 98,850
12 Ruprecht Nikol -Austria - 98,175

Grand Prix Final - Rope
1 Kondakova Daria -Russia 28,375
2 Kanaeva Evgenia -Russia 28,225
3 Staniouta Melitina -Belarus 27,300
4 Garaeva Aliya -Azerbaijan 27,125
5 Mitrosz Joanna -Poland 26,325
6 Risenzon Irina -Israel 25,875
7 Alyabyeva Anna -Kazakhstan 25,650
8 Rivkin Neta -Israel 24,350

Grand Prix Final - Hoop
1 Kanaeva Evgenia -Russia 28,625
2 Staniouta Melitina -Belarus 28,075
3 Garaeva Aliya -Azerbaijan 27,550
4 Dmitrieva Darya -Russia 27,250
5 Alyabyeva Anna -Kazakhstan 26,500
6 Mitrosz Joanna -Poland 26,125
7 Risenzon Irina -Israel 25,625
8 Rivkin Neta 04673-Israel 25,325

Grand Prix Final - Ball
1 Kanaeva Evgenia -Russia 28,900
2 Kondakova Daria -Russia 28,500
3 Staniouta Melitina -Belarus 27,775
4 Garaeva Aliya -Azerbaijan 27,550
5 Mitrosz Joanna -Poland 27,100
6 Risenzon Irina -Israel 27,050
7 Ianni Chiara -Italy 24,825
8 Ledoux Delphine -France 23,050

Grand Prix Final - Ribbon
1 Kondakova Daria -Russia 28,500
2 Kanaeva Evgenia -Russia 28,450
3 Garaeva Aliya -Azerbaijan 27,775
4 Risenzon Irina -Israel 27,100
5 Staniouta Melitina -Belarus 27,000
6 Mitrosz Joanna -Poland 26,350
7 Vass Dora -Hungary 25,000
8 Alyabyeva Anna -Kazakhstan 23,375

Cup Gazprom Final - Group 5 Hoops
1 Russia - 27,875
2 Belarus - 27,325
3 Azerbaijan - 26,200
4 Japan - 24,375

Cup Gazprom Final - Group 3 Ribbon 2 Ropes
1 Russia - 27,000
2 Belarus - 26,775
3 Japan - 24,825
4 Azerbaijan - 21,625

The next stopover on the 2010 Grand Prix circuit will be in Kiev (UKR) on March 18 – 20, followed by Thiais (FRA) on March 25 – 29.

Natural disaster strikes in Madeira

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, February 23, 2010: Due to the catastrophic flooding that overshadowed the region, organisers of the 14th International Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament on Madeira Island in Funchal (POR) have cancelled the event, originally scheduled for February 26 – 28, 2010.

Profoundly moved by the tragedy, FIG President Prof. Bruno Grandi conveys a message of solidarity to Portuguese gymnasts and local inhabitants on behalf of the international gymnastics community as a whole.

With a strong tradition in gymnastics, Portugal stands out as a dynamic country that organises a variety of international FIG calendar events in every discipline. In 2010, World Cup and Series events will take place in Portimao in March (Rhythmic), Ponta Delgada (Aerobic) in April / May, Porto in June (Artistic) and in Loulé in September (Trampoline).

Rhythmic Gymnastics Grand Prix
Moscow (RUS), February 20 – 21, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, February 18, 2010: The 2010 Rhythmic Gymnastics Grand Prix circuit will kick off this weekend from February 20 – 21 in Moscow (RUS). 35 of the world’s best rhythmic gymnasts from 28 different countries, amongst them 2009 title holder on all apparatus Evgenia Kanaeva (RUS), are expected to participate.

Aliya Garaeva (AZE), Melitina Staniouta (BLR), Irina Risenzon (ISR), Evgenia Kanaeva (RUS), Daria Kondakova (RUS) count among the favourites at the Grand Prix season opening.

Apart from the Grand Prix, a juniors’ competition in Individuals and Groups, an “Extra Seniors” All-around tournament and the Gazprom Champions Cup for senior groups will be held in Moscow starting on Friday.

The next stopover on the 2010 Grand Prix circuit will be in Kiev (UKR) on March 18 – 20, followed by Thiais (FRA) on March 25 – 29. The Gity Cup in Brno (CZE), originally scheduled for March 4 – 7, has been postponed until October 14 – 18.

2009 Moscow Grand Prix medallists

All-around
Gold - Kanaeva, Evgenia (RUS) – 112.725
Silver - Sesina, Vera (RUS) – 110.725
Bronze – Kapranova, Olga (RUS) – 107.200

Rope
Gold - Kanaeva, Evgenia (RUS) – 26.950
Silver - Sesina, Vera (RUS) – 26.900
Bronze - Staniouta, Melitina (BLR) – 26.200

Hoop
Gold - Kanaeva, Evgenia (RUS) – 28.550
Silver - Sesina, Vera (RUS) – 27.300
Bronze - Yussupova, Aliya (KAZ) – 25.950

Ball
Gold - Kanaeva, Evgenia (RUS) – 26.950
Silver - Staniouta, Melitina (BLR) – 25.900
Bronze - Risenzon, Irina (ISR) – 25.675

Ribbon
Gold - Kanaeva, Evgenia (RUS) – 27.400
Silver - Sesina, Vera (RUS) – 26.100
Bronze - Staniouta, Melitina (BLR) – 25.300

On the way to Singapore

ABUJA (NGR) - LAUSANNE (SUI) FIG Office, February 15, 2010: Morocco shall, from May 9 – 15, 2010, play host to the maiden edition of the African Youth Games. This announcement was made recently at the Atlas Hotel, Casablanca, precisely on Wednesday February 3, 2010, during the official signing ceremony of an agreement to this effect. The official agreement was signed by three parties: the Moroccan government represented by Youth and Sports Minister, His Excellency Moncef Belkhayat, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa represented by President Lassana Palenfo, and NOC Morocco represented by its first Vice President, Mr. Kamal Lahlou.

The African Youth Games have come to replace the ANOCA Zone Games. Following the success of the latter, which were organised in the various ANOCA Development Zones, President Palenfo thought it wise to innovate, giving the games a continental dimension by organising them at the same venue and period.

The event aims, among others, to foster such Olympic values like peace, tolerance, solidarity and fraternity among Africans through sport, bring together Africa’s sporting youths aged 15 to 17 to celebrate excellence and prepare them for world class competitions.
This maiden edition shall feature a good number of sports disciplines: athletics, rowing, basketball (3 vs 3), boxing, cycling, fencing, football, gymnastics, judo, wrestling, swimming, taekwondo, tennis and table tennis.

Sport - Education - Culture

Besides the sporting aspect, the African Youth Games are also meant to be a major educational and cultural jamboree. As a matter of fact, they shall also feature educational programmes that bear on Olympic values, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting health and social cohesion, and checking doping, racism and violence.

Three venues, namely Rabat, Casablanca and Salé, have already been earmarked to host this Olympic festival, which is expected to bring together 1200 athletes from 53 NOCs. This maiden edition of the African Youth Games shall be celebrated barely three months before the Youth Olympic Games billed for Singapore in August 2010. They shall thus afford African NOCs an excellent opportunity to prepare their athletes for this world class event.

Reacting to the signing of the protocol agreement in Casablanca, the President of ANOCA, General Lassana Palenfo, underscored that the African Youth Games shall use sport as a tool to foster friendship, unity and peace among nations of the continent.

2nd Youth Olympic Games 2014

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, February 11, 2010: On February 10, the International Olympic Committee elected Nanjing (CHN), as the host city of the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games in 2014 during the 122nd IOC Session in Vancouver (CAN). Nanjing received 47 votes to edge out runner-up Poznan, Poland, which received 42 votes. Last month Guadalajara (MEX) withdrew from the race.

All the international Gymnastics Community congratulates China and Nanjing and is looking forward to sharing the spirit of the Youth Olympic Games, in a City that is remembered for having hosted the FIG Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships in 2006.

The spirit of the Youth Olympic Games

The IOC established the Youth Olympics in an effort to shore up dwindling support for the Games among younger people and to fight obesity among teenagers. Some 3,600 athletes ranging in ages from 15 to 18 are expected to compete at the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing in 2014, which will feature competitions in 26 sports.

The Youth Olympic Games are the culmination of the IOC’s determination to reach out to young people. Far more than merely being about competition, the Games are also a platform on which young people can learn about the Olympic values and the benefits of sport, while
The first Youth Olympic Games will be held in August this year in Singapore. The first Winter edition will be held in Innsbruck, Austria, in 2012.

IOC Press Release

FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics TC earn Honorary Coaching Brevets

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, February 10, 2010: The FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics Technical Committee met at the FIG headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) during the first week of February. At the conclusion of their meetings, they stayed on for a special Academy-Seminar.

This seminar which is part of the FIG Academy Programme was designed to provide a complete overview of the Academy Programme with special reference to Rhythmic Gymnastics. In addition a series of theory lectures were developed for the Technical Committee that are part of the Level 3/Coaching Brevet curriculum, but which also include the relevant lectures from Levels 1 and 2. The theory lectures included information on growth and development, biomechanics, injuries, anatomy, physiology and a discussion of common issues within the gymnastics sports.

FIG Vice President Slava Corn (CAN) represented President Bruno Grandi (ITA) during the Academy-Seminar and the lectures were presented by Hardy Fink, the Director of FIG Education & Academy Programmes and by Dr. Keith Russell, the President of the FIG Scientific Commission. Also in attendance were Olivia Bille Peña, the Manager of FIG Education Programmes and Vera Sesina (RUS) the representative for Rhythmic Gymnastics in the FIG Athletes’ Commission.

Slava Corn opened and closed the seminar that was perceived as very positive by all members of the committee with President Maria Szyszkowska (POL) encouraging an expanded and close collaboration between the TC and the Academy Programme.

At the conclusion of the Academy-Seminar, each of the Technical Committee members was awarded an Honorary Coaching Brevet by Slava Corn and of course the very first brevet for Rhythmic Gymnastics was awarded to Maria Szyszkowska.

2010 Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Junior Championships
Tashkent (UZB), February 16 – 19, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, February 10, 2010: After the Junior Pan American Championships in Havana (CUB) in November 2009, Tashkent (UZB) will host the second continental qualifying event in Rhythmic Gymnastics for the 1st Youth Olympic Games in Singapore this summer. Eligible junior gymnasts from Asia will attempt to qualify at the Asian Junior Championships, February 16 – 19, 2010.

Competition Schedule

Tuesday, February 16: Competition I Rope and Hoop, General Group Competition
Wednesday, February 17: Competition I Ball and Clubs, General Group Competition
Thursday, February 18: Competition III Rope, Hoop, Ball, Clubs, Group Final
Friday, February 19: Competition II

For detailed information on the competition click here!
Check the list of participants and read an article of the Asian Gymnastics Union! 

YOG competition format and athlete eligibility

The Youth Olympic Games feature two events in Rhythmic Gymnastics: Individual All-around and Group All-around. Individuals compete on Rope, Hoop, Ball and Clubs; Groups on 4 Hoops and 4 Ribbons. A total of 18 Individual gymnasts and six Groups will qualify for Singapore. The continental quota has been allocated as follows: In Individuals, Europe gets 6 spots, Asia 3 (including 1 spot for the host country), Africa 2, America 2 and Oceania 1. Each continent will have an opportunity to send one group to the Youth Olympic Games, whereas Asia gets an extra spot for the host country.

Gymnasts competing in the Singapore Youth Olympic Games must be 15 years old (born in 1995) and may not have participated in FIG senior competitions or multi-sport games prior to the event. Additionally, they must fulfil specified performance criteria. In Individual, gymnasts must participate at all apparatus and reach an average minimum execution score of 7.5, thus a total of 30 points minimum. Groups must reach a minimum average execution score of 7.5 points in both exercises, which means a total of 15 points minimum.

Singapore Gymnastics

Singapore Gymnastics has announced its group for the 2010 Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Junior Championships.

Comprised of Chia Shing Eng Cecilia, Ho Wei Yen Vivien, Miki Nomura, Phaan Yi Lin and Sim Kwee Peng Ann, the group was selected following a two-day event held at Seng Kang Sports Hall on October 31 and November 1, 2009.

“The performances show that we are on the right track for the Youth Olympic Games,” said ZHU Xiaoping, National Coach of Rhythmic Gymnastics. “Some of our gymnasts have been challenged with injuries, but we are confident that everyone will be in peak form for the Asian Junior Championships.”

“The selection process put in place for these games is similar to what will be required to qualify for other major games,” said CHOY Kah Kin, Secretary of Singapore Gymnastics and Head of Rhythmic Gymnastics Organising Committee at SYOGOC. “This is a valuable learning experience for our gymnasts as they pursue future major games.”