FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Series A
Pesaro (ITA), August 27 – 29, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, September 1, 2010: The ultimate Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup event of the 2010 season took place last weekend in Pesaro (ITA). The event concluded a circuit of eight tournaments with stopovers in Montreal (CAN), Debrecen (HUN), Portimao (POR), Kalamata (GRE), St Petersburg (RUS), Corbeil-Essones (FRA) and Minsk (BLR).

After 2009, this second edition of the Pesaro World Cup featured a record number of participants, all keen on preparing for the upcoming World Championships in Moscow (RUS) and upping their World Ranking points.

In Individuals, Evgeniya Kanaeva (RUS) once again dominated the competition, topping the rankings on all apparatus and taking the titles of the overall series on Rope, Ball and Ribbon with 200 points each. She shares the title on Ball with compatriot Daria Kondakova, both having earned 180 points.

Kondakova came second on Rope, Hoop and Ribbon in Pesaro and took second place overall on Rope (180) and Ribbon (180) and a fourth place on Ball (120).

Belarusian Melitina Staniouta came closest to the Russian predominance in Pesaro. She took Silver on Ball, Bronze on Rope and Ribbon and placed fourth on Hoop, adding up to overall rank three on Rope (130), Hoop (125) and Ball (123) as well as rank four on Ribbon (115).

Staniouta’s compatriot Liubov Charkashyna and Russian Daria Dmitrieva also medalled in Pesaro; they ran off with a Bronze on Hoop and Ball respectively. Charkashyna took third place on Ribbon in the World Ranking with a total of 118 points.

Having qualified only for the Ribbon Final in Pesaro, where she finished fourth, Bulgaria’s Silvyia Miteva ties in the World Ranking with Staniouta in third place on Hoop (125) and takes a second place on Ball with a total of 143 points.

Individuals

Rope
1. KANAEVA, Evgenia (RUS) - 29,025
2. KONDAKOVA, Daria (RUS) - 28,450
3. STANIOUTA, Melitina (BLR) - 28,250

Hoop
1. KANAEVA, Evgenia (RUS) - 29,250
2. KONDAKOVA, Daria (RUS) - 28,900
3. CHARKASHYNA, Liubov (BLR) - 28,200

Ball
1. KANAEVA, Evgenia (RUS) - 29,175
2. STANIOUTA, Melitina (BLR) - 28,300
3. DMITRIEVA, Daria (RUS) - 28,300

Ribbon
1. KANAEVA, Evgenia (RUS) - 29,100
2. KONDAKOVA, Daria (RUS) - 28,100
3. STANIOUTA, Melitina (BLR) - 27,650

Italy’s own Group made the host country proud, taking the titles in Pesaro both on 5 Hoops and on 2 Ropes – 3 Ribbons. Belarus came second in both categories, followed by Bulgaria, who won Bronze on 5 Hoops and Germany, who placed third on 2 Ropes - 3 Ribbons.

All in all this meant the World Ranking lead for Belarus in both categories with 180 points each and Russia in second place with 140 points on 5 Hoops and 155 points on 2 Ropes -3 Ribbons. Italy ties in second place with Russia on 5 Hoops and places in third rank on 2 Ropes – 3 Ribbons (140).

Groups

5 Hoops
1. Italy - 28,300
2. Belarus - 27,900
3. Bulgaria -26,750

2 Ropes – 3 Ribbons
1. Italy- 28,150
2. Belarus - 26,650
3. Germany - 26,100

Check the complete results of the Pesaro World Cup and the updated World Rankings!

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, August 30, 2010: In mid-August the second Spanish language Level 1 Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics was hosted by Brazil in the city of Aracaju. Brazil had previously hosted three Academies for Artistic Gymnastics. This was the 11th Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics which held its first less than two years ago; and it was the 88th overall in the FIG Academy Programme.

This Level 1 Rhythmic Academy was attended by 20 coaches from nine federations: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cape Verde, Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela. The attendance of the coaches from the Spanish speaking federations of the Pan American Gymnastics Union (PAGU) was partially funded by the FIG Development Fund for PAGU.

The course leader was Eunice Lebre of Portugal who is also a member of the FIG Scientific Commission. She was joined by former British National Coach Nadya Aleksandrova who is a member of the Academy Working Group for Rhythmic Gymnastics that developed the curriculum for these courses. The other expert was Andrea João of Brazil for whom this was the tenth Academy at which she has taught. She taught most of the theory lectures.

The highest results in the three-part examination were shared by three coaches: Luciana Cuel of Argentina and Anna Danielyan and Maria Cristina Vital both of Brazil.

Special thanks must go to the Brazil Gymnastics Federation and its President, Luciene Resende as well as to Luciana Menezes for organising this Academy and for providing all of the conditions necessary to assure its success.

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

Rhythmic Gymnastics
All-around Finals

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 25, 2010: Eight Rhythmic gymnasts in the Individual category and four Groups made the cut for the Youth Olympic All-around Finals during yesterday’s qualifying round. The girls returned to Bishan Sports Hall this afternoon to perform once again their beautiful routines in these popular events.

Individuals

With Russia’s Alexandra Merkulova and Alina Charopa of Belarus far ahead of the field in the Qualification, they had everything they needed to take away Gold and Silver today providing they were able to maintain their level without any major mistakes. They would still have to give it all they had if they wanted a medal, since qualifying scores are not transferred to the Finals and the competition starts at zero.

A close battle for Bronze was expected between Germany’s Jana Berezko-Marggrandner and Anastasiya Kisse of Bulgaria, who tied in rank three and four during preliminaries. Wan Nin Lee of Malaysia, a crowd’s favourite, could also aspire to a medal today. She was not far behind the top four in Qualifications, having ranked fifth.

The eight girls competed in four rotations on Rope, Hoop, Ball and Clubs.

Rope

The first heat on Rope brought no huge surprises with gymnasts performing their routines smoothly. Alexandra received a .05 penalty for overtime and Arina had a slight uncertainty, when she once dropped her rope, but this did not keep them from taking positions one and two.

Hoop

To the enthusiastic support of the crowd, Wan Nin gave an impressive routine on Hoop, securing her personal top score to that point and placing her in overall rank two.

Arina made a major mistake in this rotation when she lost control of her hoop and watched it roll out of bounds. She received a .4 penalty and dropped down to third rank, tying with Wan Nin.

Jana also had problems controlling her hoop towards the end of her routine, which resulted in a lower Execution score and provisory rank four after this second rotation. “My coach told me that I needed to keep fighting till the very end,” and I said to myself, “Get yourself together!”

Alexandra enjoyed huge support from her compatriots on the grandstands today; she acknowledged it with pride after her strong routines. Hoop being her strongest apparatus, she notched her top score of the day (26.250) and confirmed her lead.

Ball

Rotation three was exciting to watch!

Wan Nin started off strongly, displaying a beautiful routine on Ball, very gracefully executed. She received a 25.050, her best today, and confirmed her medal position currently in third.

Arina proved why she was referred to as a strong medal contender in this event. She recovered from her mistake on Hoop and showed a wonderfully smooth routine on Ball that scored even higher than in Qualifications. She moved back into second position.

Jana demonstrated an excellent example of the perfect body – ball relationship. With incredible control of the apparatus, the young German gymnast moved beautifully over the floor in impeccable synch with the music. Her routine was awarded 25.225 points, her top score, but she remained in fourth position.

A bit of a startle for Anastasiya when she failed to control her ball in the final pose and it rolled out of bounds. In tears, she realised that her mistake had put her out of the medal ranks. She saw herself rank five before the final rotation.
Alexandra received another .5 penalty, but she stayed on top of the table.

Clubs

The final rotation on Clubs would decide it all!

Once again, Wan Nin impressed spectators as she ran smoothly through her routine and made only a minor mistake towards the end, when she lost one club. Whether or not her 24.300 was good enough to keep her in a medal winning position depended now on the other competitors.

Arina upped her qualifying score on Clubs remarkably to a 25.775, which added up to a total of 100.400 points; Silver for the Belarusian! “I liked my overall performance but the problem was the hoop. Dropping it was a huge mistake,” she said.

Jana was also able to better her score. She got 25.100 on Clubs, resulting in 98.875 points overall, that finally won her the Bronze and pushed Wan Nin into fourth place. “In my opinion I did quite well, better than yesterday, but that silly mistake spoiled it,” Wan Nin said tearfully. “At least I learned from my mistake and I’ll never do that again.”

Anastasiya finished her competition with style, bettering her previous score on Clubs by .450 points. Unfortunately, she never could recover from that dreadful mistake on Ball and finished fifth.

Alexandra confirmed her supremacy in this event tonight, showing great consistency and routines of a high level of Difficulty and Artistry. Her performance on Clubs scored 25.500 and a total of 103.500 points.

She ran off with Gold and a huge smile on her face!

"I have been dreaming of this for so long. I was so happy that I nearly started bawling," said the Youth Olympic Games Champion.

Groups

With Singapore’s own Group and Australia out of the race, the remaining Groups in the run for a medal in this All-around Final were Russia, Japan, Egypt and Canada.

Russia (52.250) outperformed the rest of the field during yesterday’s Qualification leading with a large margin over Japan (45.900), who qualified second. Egypt (41.650) entered this Final in rank three followed by Canada (41.150) in last qualifying position.

The four-girl Groups performed two exercises, the first on four hoops and the second on four ribbons.

4 Hoops

Favourite Russia was first up. With incredible synchronicity and precision, as well as wonderful timing with the music, the girls with the golden hoops set their mark (26.275).

Team Japan was unlucky tonight. The girls lost control of their hoops on several occasions, with one hoop even falling out of bounds. A penalty of .4 points and a low Execution score resulted in a disappointing 21.100 and last position after this rotation, which would be tough to recover from.

Could Canada make a move here? They impressed with clean Execution, upping their Qualifying score and overtaking Japan in this first rotation (21.775).
Egypt showed dramatically reinforced choreography on Hoops; that along with good Artistry and Execution placed them second (23.000).

4 Ribbons

Russia’s four stayed focused until the end, pleasing the crowd with another flawless performance on Ribbons, even upping their score from the preliminaries. Their total of 52.350 points secured them Gold winning rank one!
"When we were standing on top of the podium, we felt very happy and proud, we do deserve this," said Russian group member, Olga Ilina.

Japan, still in shock over their failed first routine, were unable to redeem themselves, even though they fought hard for a medal. In the end they were left empty handed on fourth place (42.475).

The question now was who would take the Silver and Bronze. Canada was able to boost their qualifying score on Ribbons, but so was Egypt, who took to the floor last. Egypt (45.275) was victorious in the end with the first Olympic medal for Africa in Rhythmic Gymnastics, a Silver!

Canada’s four, who qualified in fourth position, took home the Bronze (43.425).
"It made us all very proud for our country," said Melodie Omidi, a member of the Canadian Group. "We've worked hard, and it feels good to see it pay off."
"This medal means joy and pride and a lot of hard work and sweat," added her teammate Victoria Reznik.

Check the results!

Tonight’s Rhythmic Gymnastics events concluded the Gymnastics competitions at the 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games.

The next edition is slated for 2014 in Nanjing (CHN).

FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Series A
Pesaro (ITA), August 27 – 29, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, August 25, 2010: Italy will play host to a FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup category A on August 27 – 29, 2010, in Pesaro.

Last of a series of eight World Cups in 2010, this tournament is the ultimate dress rehearsal for participants prior to the 30th World Championships next month in Moscow, which explains the high number of entries. A total of 90 gymnasts from 32 different countries are competing in the Individual competition, while 23 Groups are registered, adding up to a total of 223 entries boasting all the big names!

Apart from preparation for the upcoming worlds, the Pesaro World Cup offers gymnasts a final chance to up their 2010 World Ranking points. Winners of the total series will be crowned after the competition. Host Italy have their best chances in the Group categories, presently sitting in fifth position in both events.

Check the current standings here:
Rope Hoop Ball Ribbon  Groups

After a successful inaugural edition in 2009, this year’s World Cup in Pesaro is a milestone for organisers, who are planning to make this an annual event. The rhythmic floor will be ready and waiting at the stunning Adriatic Arena, which boasts a seating capacity of 10,000.

Click here to consult the participant list and find out more information on the official event website!

2009 title holders

Individuals
Rope KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) 28.700
Hoop KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) 29.000
Ball KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) 28.000
Ribbon SESINA Vera (RUS) 28.450

Groups
5x   Italy 27.350
3x + 2x Italy 26.400

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

Rhythmic Gymnastics
Qualifications

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 24, 2010: Rhythmic gymnasts at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games gave their first appearance at Singapore’s Bishan Sports Hall during yesterday’s Podium Training. When they returned today to compete in the Individual and Group Qualifications, the 15 year old gymnasts delighted the crowd with flexibility, grace and masterful apparatus handling.

Individuals

A total of eighteen Individual gymnasts representing as many countries had qualified for this event and displayed their skill in four rotations on Rope, Hoop, Ball and Clubs. The top eight ranked proceeded to the All-around Finals.

After the first two rotations featuring performances on Rope and Hoop, Russia’s Alexandra Merkulova (51.850) and Arina Charopa of Belarus (51.475) gained a head start over the rest of the field. Coming from countries with a traditionally strong background in this discipline, and having done well at the YOG qualifying Junior European Championships in Bremen (GER), both were expected to do well in Singapore. Alexandra actually won the Junior European All-around title, while Arina placed fourth.

Originally, Belarus had entered Nataliya Lashcyk to these Games, who in Bremen won the Bronze with a mere .525 margin over Arina. It was only due to an injury that Nataliya withdrew and Arina took her spot at the last minute.
Bulgaria’s Anastasiya Kisse, 6th in Bremen, placed third at the midway mark (49.525), followed by Junior European Silver medallist Jana Berezko-Marggrander of Germany (48.650).

Extra support from the grandstands was given to Wan Nin Lee of Singapore’s neighbouring Malaysia. Qualified for the YOG at the Junior Asian Championships in Chiba (JPN) in eighth position, she held on to a fantastic rank five after two heats.

At this point in time, the Ukraine’s Viktoriia Shynkarenko, Polina Kozitskiy (USA) and Victoria Filanovsky of Israel were among the top eight gymnasts.

During rotation three, which featured routines on Ball and Clubs respectively, the top of the field confirmed their positions with only Polina dropping back after encountering problems controlling the ball. The Junior Pan-American All-around Silver medallist would have to give the Clubs exercise of her life in the final rotation in order to qualify for the Finals.

Aziza Mamadjanova of Uzbekistan, Junior Asian All-around Champion, impressed with a very smooth and fluid performance on Ball in this rotation (22.975), which moved her up into qualifying rank eight.

Victoria of Israel, last competitor in heat three, was also able to improve her ranking. She scored a 23.825 on Clubs, which meant a provisional overall position six for her.

Knowing she would have to give it everything she had, Polina, who opened the last rotation, was focused and delivered a clean performance on Clubs. Her 22.700 was the second best score on this apparatus in the final heat and qualified her in eighth position (91.975).

After problems during her Ball routine, Spain’s Eugenya Onopko redeemed herself on Clubs, scoring a 21.675 and reaching an overall 87.950. She ended up 10th overall, failing to qualify for the Finals.

With high Difficulty scores and clean Execution, Alexandra (103.425) and Arina (102.225) remained consistent all throughout these preliminaries, heading the rankings in positions one and two.

Alexandra  had the crowd at a packed Bishan Sports Hall clapping along as she performed her club routine to a popular Russian song, 'We are not afraid of wolves'. 'It suits me so much and I enjoy this music tremendously,' she said adding that while she finished first, she still wants to improve. 'I can perform better tomorrow. I had small mistakes in rope and clubs. I want to go to bed earlier and will go through the routines in my mind.'

When asked about her formula for success, Arina said it's all about respect. 'I love all the apparatus,' she said. 'You don't dare to dislike any of them, they may take revenge on you for it! You should love every one of them.'

Jana and Anastasiya tied with 97.825 points in ranks three and four. They showed impressive mastery of the ball, making it look both elegant and easy. Jana commented after the competition: 'I was a bit nervous and had to pull myself together, but it wasn't very difficult because I had already competed at the Junior European Championships and placed second.'

Wan Nin was the high scorer on Clubs in this rotation! Her score (24.425) was topped only by Jana and Alexandra in round three. The young Malaysian secured her Final spot with an overall rank five, making her home country proud and pleasing spectators at Bishan Sports Hall.

Viktoriia (UKR), Aziza (UZB) and Victoria (ISR) were the last competitors in Individuals tonight, and all three of them had so far kept their chance to qualify for the Final round. Viktoriia’s elegant style was eye-catching, and she qualified in seventh (92.375).

Victoria maintained her sixth position and Aziza was left empty handed today, failing to make the cut in ninth with 90.350 points.

Groups

Six groups of four gymnasts representing all continents participated in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Group competition with routines on four Hoops and four Ribbons, trying to get one of the four spots in tomorrow’s All-around Finals.

The local crowd could not wait to see Shing Eng Chia, Miki Erica Nomura, Lin Phaan Yi and Kwee Peng Ann Sim enter the Field of Play; these women represent Singapore in this category!

The girls have been training together as a team for just two years under the guidance of Zhu Xiao Ping (CHN). They see each other not only as members of a gymnastics team, but as sisters who share more than ribbons and hoops. 'We're not that strong individually, but as a team we are, doing everything together,' Shing Eng said. 'You need teamwork and bonding. It's not what you do alone, but what you do as a group,' she added.

With regards to this Group’s home game here in Singapore at the Youth Olympic Games, the 15 year old gymnast added: 'It feels more secure to perform in our home country, but there’s more pressure, too.”

The four Singaporean gymnasts competed with Groups from Egypt, Russia, Japan, Australia and Canada and they were first up tonight on the rhythmic floor!

Apart from a shocking moment when one of their hoops went out of bounds, the four young Singaporeans did a good job tonight making their home country proud. However, they failed to make the cut (39.150), placing 5th with a 2.0 margin behind fourth ranked and qualified Canada (41.150).

'We could have performed better with ribbons,' said Canadian coach Svetlana Joukova. 'The girls are well prepared physically, but not mentally. It is their first time at an international competition of such level. We want to win a medal.'

Lacking Difficulty in their routines, team Australia placed 6th (37.150).

As the only Group having participated at the Junior African Championships, Egypt does not have many competitors on an international level yet. However, the girls kept calm and focused, managing to perform well tonight and placed themselves third (41.650).

The Groups of Russia and Japan were far ahead of their contenders, displaying elements of higher Difficulty, which they mastered with style and elegance. They qualify in the top positions with Russia heading the field (52.250), followed by Japan (45.900).

Check the results!

Rhythmic Gymnastics Finals for both Individuals and Groups will take place tomorrow afternoon at Bishan Sports Hall, concluding the Gymnastics events of the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

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

Bishan Opening Press Conference

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 15, 2010: Today, the governing bodies of two of the top Olympic sports, athletics and gymnastics, invited representatives of the media to a joint opening press conference at Bishan Sports Hall. Both housed within the Bishan sports facilities for the duration of these 2010 Singapore Youth Olympic Games, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) took advantage of this opportunity to familiarise the media with the venues and update them on the upcoming competitions.

Journalists had a chance to meet with the two Athletes’ Role Models and one YOG participant from each sport, who stood by for question and answer as well as photo sessions.

IAAF Athletes’ Role Model Wilson Kipketer (DEN), who currently holds the World Record in the 800m, emphasised the many things athletics and gymnastics have in common. Wilson says that with the number of educational opportunities provided at the YOG, his junior fellow athletes would be wise to get involved, learn through their sport and enjoy life.

1997 World Horizontal Bar Champion Jani Tanskanen (FIN) is not only a great former gymnast, the FIG Athletes’ Role Model is also the Technical Director of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics at Svoli, the Finnish Gymnastics Federation, and in January this year he was elected President of the FIG Athletes’ Commission. Jani stressed that being a champion does not only mean to win, it also means handling defeat while respecting the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship.

Swedish pole vaulter Angelica Bengtsson, 2010 World Junior Champion and 2009 World Youth Champion, is keen on winning the Youth Olympic Games title as well. The cheerful young athlete has enjoyed her YOG experience so far and has no problem speaking to the media. “It’s like talking to normal people,” the 17 year old says smilingly. To improve in her discipline, Angelica actually does some gymnastics training as well and she looked great on the uneven bars, supported by Jani.

Singaporean Artistic gymnast Timothy Tay, also 17, had the honour of carrying the Olympic flag at last night’s Opening Ceremony. He is very excited about the upcoming competitions and feels honoured to represent the host country in his discipline at the very first Youth Olympic Games. “It will probably be the biggest competition of my life,” Timothy said, anticipating that the greatest challenge will be to manage his own nervous tension.

Timothy starts competition tomorrow at Bishan Sports Hall, while Angelica takes to the mat on Tuesday. We wish good luck to both of them!

SINGAPORE (SIN), August 14, 2010: The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games got off to a dazzling start on Saturday night, with the city's skyline providing a magnificant backdrop to a rousing opening ceremony dedicated to the more than 3,500 athletes in attendance from all corners of the world.
 
The 27,000 people at Marina Bay were treated to a two-hour show that showcased Singapore's rich history and celebrated the cultural diversity of the country's indigenous people and the young Olympians, aged 14 to 18, who will compete in the Games' 26 events.
 
The inaugural competition is designed to be a stepping stone for young athletes striving to compete at the Summer Olympics. And while sport will be the main focus over the next two weeks, there is a simultaneous cultural and educational programme to teach the athletes from the 204 participating countries about Olympic values and global issues.
 
"From this moment on, young people from around the world have a chance to participate in a global event that combines sport, education and culture," IOC president Jacques Rogge (BEL) said.
 
"Throughout this programme, our young Olympians will take part in activities and discussions on global and social issues as well as learn how they can make a positive impact in their community," said Singapore president S R Nathan.
 
The show was tailored for the age group it was addressing and its messages ranged from fairness in competition to combating hunger and disease and promoting world peace. It also included 54 teen-oriented multimedia videos specifically produced for the opening ceremony.
 
"It's an excellent Games. Youth is very important, they are the future of the world,'' said IOC member Sam Ramsamy (RSA). "Everything tonight made it clear about the importance of a healthy lifestyle in the body and the mind. It also shows us that friendship is more important than becoming rivals in sports."
 
"It is an outstanding ceremony. It addresses a lot of challenges the world faces,'' said Australian IOC member John Coates. "I've seen so many ceremonies but this is one of the best in terms of the age group it's addressing."
 
The opening ceremony marked the first time Olympic athletes were brought into the event early and did not march behind flags of their country. Spectators were on their feet clapping and cheering when the competitors entered from both sides of the stage of the Marina Bay venue.
 
This was followed by a thunderous display of drumming, accompanied by myriad dancers of all ages.
 
At one point, a menacing monster that represented the inner fears and struggles of everyone in attendance cast an imposing shadow over the event.
 
More than 5,000 performers, including children from 47 Singapore schools, were involved in the ceremony.
 
Throughout the show, fireworks lit the sky. More than 2,000 were used and they were synchronised to the music and shot from the crowns of various buildings around Marina Bay.
 
The result was a spectacular occasion from beginning to end.
 
It seemed appropriate that sailor Darren Choy, Singapore's 2010 Sportsboy of the Year, was given the honour of lighting the Youth Olympic flame. Choy competes in the boys' one-person dinghy event and the 32-metre high cauldron he ignited resembled a lighthouse to symbolise a guiding light that welcomes people to a safe harbour.
 
At the end, Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps (USA), who won eight gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Games, reminded the young athletes that winning was not everything.
 
"Do your best but above all, have fun," Phelps said in a video address.
 
source: YONS aa/spd/gs/mr

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

Presidential Address

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 14, 2010: International Olympic Committee (IOC) President and creator of the Youth Olympic Games concept, Jacques Rogge, described his feelings about the inaugural Games today as “a father waiting in the delivery room”. However, he hopes staging the Games will be somewhat easier than educating his own kids, Rogge added with a smile at this morning’s Opening Press Conference in Singapore (SIN).

The IOC President is absolutely thrilled with the remarkable preparation of the Games by the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC), who had a mere 2 1/2 years to get ready from the day their bid was approved to today’s Opening Ceremony. A relatively short time period, considering the fact that organising committees of traditional Olympic Games get seven years to prepare.

No major problems have been reported so far, and both International Sports Federations (IFs) and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are satisfied with the installations. Rogge said he is pleased with the universality of these Youth Olympic Games and with all 205 NOCs being represented in Singapore.

Last night’s welcome party at the Youth Olympic Village (YOV) was permeated with a youthful spirit, while a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere got everyone in the mood for the Games.

Rogge looks at this first edition of an ambitious project as the start of a successful series that will be well observed, monitored, evaluated and hopefully improved in the future.

With some 166 countries airing the Singapore Youth Olympic Games and 25 countries covering the Opening and Closing Ceremonies live, the IOC President is pleased with Media interest.

The IOC has always understood its mission to go beyond simply organising sport events. With extensive efforts to provide education, the concept of the Youth Olympic Games includes a Cultural and Education Programme (CEP) that aims to reach out to young athletes at an age when they are still receptive to new concepts. Through the CEP, the IOC is investing in the education of its athletes, helping them to develop skills for life, social responsibilities and a strong belief in Olympic values.

When asked about the pressure these young athletes might feel at the Youth Olympic Games, President Rogge remained unaffected, stating that the competition formats have been carefully assessed in collaboration with the IFs and tailored to fit the needs and developmental stages of Junior athletes.

Commenting on tonight’s Opening Ceremony, Rogge promised an innovative show with elements that have not yet been seen at any of the traditional Games; hopefully these will put a smile on the faces of the 3,600 participating athletes and spectators worldwide.

Let the show begin!

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

SINGAPORE (SIN), FIG Office, August 12, 2010: The Olympic Flame reached Singapore last week and continues to gain ground as the Olympic spirit stirs. Many of the 3,600 participating athletes have arrived at the Youth Olympic Village, which opened its doors Tuesday at the Nanyang Technological University.

The first ever Youth Olympic Games, a creation of IOC President Jacques Rogge, will kick off this Saturday with what is expected to be an impressive Opening Ceremony at Singapore’s The Float@Marina Bay. The Games are about staging high-level competition in 26 sports while providing guidance and encouragement to the participants, Juniors from age 14 to 18 years. In addition to two weeks of top notch competition, the athletes, who will be staying in Singapore through August 27, will take part in a wide range of cultural and educational activities in a programme known as the CEP. These activities, most of them held at the Youth Olympic Village, are aimed at equipping Junior athletes with the skills to make smart and solid decisions in life. Topics such as a healthy lifestyle, the dangers of doping, the value of solidarity and fair play are highlighted in an atmosphere of friendship and fun.

“The Youth Olympic Games will give the athletes a chance to compete, to learn and to share experiences with other young people,” states Rogge. And they are meant to inspire, as they have already done. The example of 12 year old Singaporean schoolboy Wei Jei, who ran 15 kilometres in his flip flops only to get drenched in rain as he trailed the Olympic Torch on Tuesday, is inspirational and hopefully will be followed by others. Having moved many people with his passion and determination, the boy became a local hero overnight and has been made one of today’s torch bearers by the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) and Singapore’s Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.

The first Youth Olympic Games will certainly become an unforgettable event and the experience of a lifetime for these young Olympians, as well as for spectators and fans. People are getting excited as the lighting of the Olympic Flame in Singapore draws nearer.

Gymnastics events will begin on Monday, August 16, with the qualifying round in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, followed by Women’s Artistic Gymnastics on Tuesday. All-around Finals are slated for August 18 and 19, and Apparatus Finals on August 21 and 22. Trampoline Gymnastics will be held on August 20 and Rhythmic Gymnastics events for Individuals and Groups are scheduled for August 24 and 25.

10th FIG Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, August 10, 2010: The FIG Academy Programme was pleased to award an Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics to Egypt which hosted this 10th Rhythmic Academy and the 85th overall at the Maadi Sports Club in Cairo during the last week of July.

The Academy was attended by sixteen coaches from three countries – Greece, Jordan and Egypt - which, incidentally, also meant that three Continental Gymnastics Unions - Europe, Asia and Africa - were represented at this course.

The course leader for this Rhythmic Academy was Nota Klentrou of Canada and two other members of the Academy Working Group for Rhythmic Gymnastics: Natalia Gorbulina of Russia and Nadya Aleksandrova of Great Britain. In a very sad turn of events, Eleni Polychronidou of Greece was expected to serve as an expert at this Academy but withdrew shortly before the starting date. She was to pass away in the beginning of August only three days after the course completion – a very sad and a very big loss to the world of Rhythmic Gymnastics and to gymnastics in Greece. Eunice Lebre of Portugal, a member of the FIG Scientific Commission, was able to serve as expert on very short notice even though she had just completed the leadership and organisation of an Academy in Portugal.

The candidates performed extremely well with a large number achieving exceptional examination results. Five coaches managed to achieve over 90% in the three-part examination. The highest mark of 95% was achieved by Shereen Karam Abdelmoniem Taama of Egypt followed closely by Nevein Mohamed Nashaat Elsheikh also of Egypt.

Special thanks must go to the Egypt Gymnastics Federation for hosting the fourth Academy in Cairo. It had previously hosted Academies for Men’s, Women’s and Trampoline Gymnastics.

The last Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics for 2010 will be hosted on August 15 - 23 in Aracaju, Brazil for the Spanish speaking countries of the Pan American Gymnastics Union. The first Academy in 2011, which will also be the first Level 3 Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics, is scheduled for January 9-16 in Pesaro, Italy.

Eleni Polychronidou passed away.

Lausanne (SUI) / FIG Office, August 04, 2010:Amazement and sorrow were expressed within the international gymnastics family about the death of Eleni Polychronidou. Felled by the illness she passed away, surrounded by her relatives, in Athens on August 3. She was 50 years old. 

Eleni’s souvenir will remain bound to her extraordinary achievements in the development of Rhythmic Gymnastics as a coach and choreographer at the head of the Greek national team. Expertise, charisma and willpower led Eleni towards the highest senior responsibilities within her Federation and the Greek Olympic Committee.

The FIG shall remember Eleni’s as a woman with a gleaming face entirely dedicated to her sport and to all those who were privileged to cross her paths. She embodied at the same time creation among her gymnasts, pugnacity at the head of gymnastics during the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and smile to this life she liked above all accompanied by her friends.

Eleni is now in Olympia together with the goddesses who look so much alike her.

The entire FIG family expresses its condolences to Eleni’s relatives and friends.

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

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, August 3, 2010: The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has confirmed the list of gymnasts who will participate in the inaugural Youth Olympic Games (YOG) this month in Singapore (SIN). A total of 150 athletes born between 1993 and 1995, hailing from 55 countries and representing all continents, will compete in Artistic, Rhythmic and Trampoline Gymnastics at the YOG set for August 14 - 26.

In Artistic Gymnastics, 42 boys and 42 girls will get the chance to qualify for 18 spots in the respective All-around Finals while eight places are available for each Apparatus Final.

18 Individual gymnasts and six Groups of four compete in Rhythmic Gymnastics. The top eight ranked Individual gymnasts and the top four ranked Groups from Qualifications proceed to the respective All-around Finals.

Trampoline Gymnastics entered twelve boys and twelve girls to the first Youth Olympic Games. The top eight male and female athletes qualify for the Finals.

Shing Eng Chia from Singapore is one of the YOG participants. The 15 year old gymnast competes together with her compatriots Miki Erica Nomura, Yi Lin Phaan and Kwee Peng Ann Sim in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Group representing the host country. Shing Eng, who first started with Artistic Gymnastics at the age of eight, found her way to Rhythmic Gymnastics only two years ago. She likes the handling of the different apparatus in her sport and she is convinced that practicing gymnastics makes her feel more confident. The young Singaporean athlete looks forward to the YOG as a once-in-a-lifetime experience and she is thrilled to get to meet fellow athletes from many different countries.

Gymnasts’ eligibility

The YOG participants must fulfill some requirements in order to get their ticket to Singapore. Age limits restricts the participation to WAG and RG gymnasts born in 1995 and to MAG and TRA gymnasts born between 1993 and 1995 exclusively.

Most gymnasts qualified their country for the YOG at their respective Junior Continental Championships held from November 2009 until May 2010. Nominative entries were then decided by the NOCs.

A certain number of NOC universality places and host country places have been reserved in order to guarantee a balanced representation of the continents and participation of the host country. When these quota places were not used, the next eligible NOC from the same continent according to the results from the qualifying event was called upon.

YOG participants may not have previously participated at FIG senior competitions or multi-sport games. Besides, a maximum of one male (except RG) and one female gymnast is allowed per NOC per discipline. In the Rhythmic Gymnastics Group competition, only one Group of four gymnasts is allowed per continent, plus the host country.

Download the nominative entry lists here!

The start lists and competition schedules of the respective competitions may be looked at on the FIG micro website.

Read more about the gymnastics competition format at the YOG and the athletes eligibilty.

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

SINGAPORE (SIN), July 23, 2010: The Youth Olympic Flame was lit for the first time on Friday in Ancient Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, signalling the start of a round-the-world journey, and a prelude to the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

Held at the Temple of Hera, the Youth Olympic flame was lit by reflecting sunlight using a parabolic mirror and carried by the High Priestess to the Ancient Stadium for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games.

At the Ancient Stadium, the Flame was then passed on to four youth torch bearers: Apostolos Koutavas (Greece), Amanda LIM Xiang Qi (Singapore), SILAS Abdul Razak (Singapore) and Nikos Tsiokos (Greece). The Flame was handed over to Mr Spyros CAPRALOS, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, who then handed it to Mr Ser Miang NG, Chairman of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC).

Witnessing the Flame Lighting Ceremony for the first Youth Olympic Games were Dr Jacques ROGGE, President of the International Olympic Committee; Mr Spyros ZANNIAS, President of the Olympic Torch Relay Commission; Mr Georgios AIDONIS, Mayor of Ancient Olympia; Dr Vivian BALAKRISHNAN, Singapore’s Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports; Youth Olympic Games Ambassador, Ms Yelena ISINBAYEVA; and Dr Francis CHONG, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of SYOGOC.

"It is such an honour to witness the birth of a new initiative for the youth. Although the Flame Lighting Ceremony dates back more than two thousand years, the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect that the Flame represents are still relevant today. We hope that the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame will connect youth around the world to the Olympic movement, and inspire them to live by its values," said Mr Ng.

The Flame Lighting Ceremony in Ancient Olympia kicks-off the 13-day Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame to celebration cities representing five continents around the world. It then arrives in Singapore on 6 August for a traditional six-day torch relay around the island nation.

The five cities are:

1. Berlin, Germany representing Europe
2. Dakar, Senegal representing Africa
3. Mexico City, Mexico representing the Americas
4. Auckland, New Zealand representing Oceania
5. Seoul, South Korea representing Asia

At each of the celebration cities, the Flame will journey to significant city landmarks and allow as many people as possible to welcome the Flame to the continent. The day will end off with a City Celebration, where the people of the city and continent can join in the festivities to celebrate the world’s first Youth Olympic Games.
The Flame’s journey will culminate in the torch being brought to the Float@Marina Bay in Singapore, the world's largest floating stage on 14 August 2010 where it will ignite the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games cauldron as part of the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the Games. Once lit, the Flame will continue to burn brightly throughout the 12 days of the Games until the Closing Ceremony on 26 August 2010.

source: SYOGOC

FIG Academy Level 2 for Rhythmic Gymnastics
Porto (POR), July 11 - 18, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, July 21, 2010: From July 11 - 18, 2010, Porto (POR) hosted a Level 2 Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics concurrently with a Level 1 Academy for Men’s and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics. This double event for three FIG disciplines was hosted in adjacent gymnasia and lecture halls at the wonderful facilities of the Sports Faculty at the University of Porto. It was the first time that any federation has ever hosted two Academies simultaneously – in this case the 82nd and 83rd FIG coaching Academies.

Click here for the report on the Academy for Artistic Gymnastics!

This Level 2 Rhythmic Academy was attended by 18 coaches from seven federations: Andorra, Finland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, South Africa and Slovenia.

The course leader was Eunice Lebre of Portugal who is also a member of the FIG Scientific Commission. She was joined by Natalia Gorbulina, who is the Russian National Coach and by former British National Coach Nadya Aleksandrova both of whom are members of the Academy Working Group for Rhythmic Gymnastics. The other expert was Katja Kleinveldt of Germany who has coached national team members in a number of countries on three continents.

The highest results were achieved by Helena Dias of Portugal followed closely by Eva D’Amore of Italy both of whom managed to achieve over 90% on the two practical and one theoretical examination.

With the conclusion of these two Academies, Portugal takes the lead by far for the number of Academies hosted. It has hosted eight to date and one more to come this year for Acrobatic Gymnastics at the end of August. Special thanks must go to the Portugal Gymnastics Federation and its president Manuel Boa de Jesus and his team of workers, translators and gymnasts for hosting this Academy with the highest possible standard and for repeatedly supporting the FIG Academy Programme.

There are two more FIG Academies for Rhythmic Gymnastics this summer; one in Egypt in the last week of July and another in Brazil in mid-August. The first Level 3 Academy is scheduled for January 9-16, 2011 in Pesaro, Italy.

FIG Academy Level 2 for Rhythmic Gymnastics
Walvis Bay (NAM), June 20 - 27, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, July 21, 2010: One year ago, Namibia hosted the 60th FIG coaches’ Academy. One year later, it has just finished hosting the 80th Academy; this time a Level 2 Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics.

This Academy was held in Walvis Bay, Namibia from June 20 – 27, 2010 and it was attended by ten coaches from four different federations: Bulgaria, New Zealand, Namibia, and South Africa.

The course leader for this Rhythmic Academy was Eunice Lebre of Portugal, a member of the FIG Scientific Commission, who taught all of the theory lectures. She was accompanied by Natalia Gorbulina of Russia and Nadya Alexandrova of Great Britain who shared the load of all the technical lectures.

The highest results in the three-part examination were shared by Tracey Redhead of New Zealand and Robyn Baker of South Africa. Tracey also received the highest marks one year ago when she represented Great Britain. Since then she has become a New Zealand citizen.

Special thanks must go to the Namibia Gymnastics Federation for hosting the fourth Academy in Walvis Bay.

Over 100 different coaches from 39 federations have now attended Rhythmic Academies. This was the eighth Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics, with three more to come up this summer. Portugal will host a Level 2 Academy and Egypt a Level 1 Academy in July. Brazil will host a Level 1 in August. The first Level 3 Academy for Rhythmic Gymnastics is scheduled for January 2011 in Italy.