19th “Stars above the Boug River” International ACRO Tournament
Vinnitsa (UKR), February 24-27, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, March 10: The Vinnista Association of Sport Acrobatics invited international junior and senior acrobats to participate in the 19th “Stars above the Boug River” tournament, February 24 – 27 in Vinnitsa (UKR).

Out of 13 participating countries, senior gymnasts from Russia, Belgium, Great Britain and host Ukraine were most successful. Russia topped the Men’s Pair and Women’s Group rankings, with an extra Silver in Men’s Group. Both the Belgium Women’s Pair and Mixed Pair won the Gold in their respective categories, while their Women’s Group settled for Bronze. A Gold for Britain’s Men’s Group, Silver for their Mixed Pair, and Bronze for the Men’s Pair. With Silver, the Women’s Group brought Ukraine its best result in Vinnitsa, followed by Bronze winning third places for the Men’s and Women’s Groups and their Mixed Pairs. Also on the podium were Azerbaijan’s Women’s Pair (Silver) and the Men’s Pair of Belarus (Silver).

Results for the seniors competition:

Men’s Pair
Gold - Ivanov Dmitri / Ivanov Maxim (RUS) - 86.531
Silver - Kalachou Yauheni / Fedchanka  Ruslan (BLR) - 84.857
Bronze - Edward Upcott / Douglas Fordyce (GBR) - 84.773

Women’s Pair
Gold - Florence Henrist / Tatjana De Vos (BEL) - 86.715
Silver - Sultanova Dilara / Ahmadova Ayla (AZE) - 85.388
Bronze - Melnichenko Anastasiya / Sitnikova Katerina (UZB) - 84.342

Mixed Pair
Gold - Julie Van Gelder / Menno Vanderghote (BEL) - 88.112
Silver - Katie Axten / Nicolas Illingworth (GBR) - 86.691
Bronze - Pisarenko Katerina / Sorochan Alexey (UKR) - 84.862

Men’s Group
Gold - Jonathan Stranks / Alex Uttley / Adam Buckingham / Adam McAssey (GBR) - 87.719
Silver - Avakian Artur / Gerasimov Yury / Stetsenko Konstantin / Sergienko Grigory (RUS) - 86.953
Bronze - Kozinko Andrey / Nelep Alexandr / Yaremchuk Viktor / Lesik Alexey (UKR) - 85.552

Women’s Group
Gold - Shaykhutdinova Aygul / Loginova Ekaterina / Stroynova Ekaterina (RUS) - 88.287
Silver - Vinnik Natasha / Kalita Katerina / Odintsova  Julia (UKR) - 87.162
Bronze - Eloїse Vanstaen / Maaike Croket / CorinneVan Hombeeck (BEL) - 85.959

Detailed results

Check out Age Group and Junior competition results here!

Russian – South African collaboration in Acrobatic Gymnastics

JOHANNESBURG (RSA) - LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, March 4, 2010: Russian gymnastics choreographer, Ekaterina Kalinina, is currently at Golden Lions Gymnastics Club in Newlands, Johannesburg (RSA), assisting South African top acrobatic gymnasts composing new routines.

Golden Lions Gymnastics

Golden Lions Gymnastics was established in 1988 when two young gymnasts, Ilse Roets and Heidi-Marie Oosthuizen decided that they would one day become coaches at their own club, GimSterre. Heidi-Marie’s father, photo journalist Wessel Oosthuizen, established the club on his credit card and as the two young gymnasts were at the beginning of their careers, the club opened its doors with one gymnast and three coaches.

The club has since obtained its permanent venue at 90 Italian Road in Newlands, Johannesburg, changed from Artistic Gymnastics to Acrobatic Gymnastics and obtained a sponsorship from a large developer, DreyProps. Its name changed to the Russian Gymnastics School of SA.

The services of top Russian coaches, Ludmila Kholina, and her son, Alexander and choreographer Tatiana Silchenko, all from Voronezh, were obtained.

Within 18 months, they succeeded in producing the South African Gymnastics Federation’s first ever world champions: Monique Steglen and Jolien Dryer won the Women’s Pairs (11 – 16) at the International Age Group Games in Lievin (FRA) in 2004.

The club’s name has since changed its name to Golden Lions Gymnastics and its coach is former Belarus team member and European Bronze medallist, Natalia von Willig.

Ekaterina Kalinina in South Africa

Russian gymnastics choreographer, Ekaterina Kalinina, arrived end of February in South Africa and will spend the next month at Golden Lions Gymnastics in Newlands, Johannesburg, assisting South African champions Matome Tshishonga, Natalie Friesling and the other top gymnasts composing new routines for them.

“I am so excited to be here. The past few days were hectic as my club competed in Novgorod. I spent a day in icy St Petersburg and also spent overnight in Moscow before I left for Johannesburg,” she said on her arrival.

She says she is excited to be able to work with African gymnasts and was impressed with DVDs she saw of their routines.

“I do not intend to change them to look like European acro gymnasts, because from what I saw, they are uniquely different and should stay that way,” she says.

Kalinina will work with Golden Lions Gymnastics head coach, Natalia von Willig, a former Belarus and European medalist. Other acro clubs have requested Kalinina for assistance and she is set for a busy month. South Africa’s top Women’s Artistic Gymnastics coach, Ilse Laing, also requested the 24 year-old Russian to assist some of her gymnasts.

Visit of the President

Gideon Sam, President of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, made a surprise visit to Golden Lions Gymnastics to witness Ekaterina Kalinina, visiting Russian choreographer, at work.

“I asked her to supply me with a programme in order to assist our women gymnasts and also to return in the second half of this year,” Sam said impressed with Kalinina’s work.

Sam stated that he believes this is the way forward for South African gymnastics.

“We need experts here to help with development and Ekaterina is young and enthusiastic and I believe that she should come back on a fulltime basis in the middle of 2011 in order for us to prepare for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland in 2014.”

(Source: Golden Lions Gymnastics / adapt. FIG)

19th “Stars above the Boug River” International ACRO Tournament
Vinnitsa (UKR), February 24-27, 2010

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, February 22, 2010: Organised by the Vinnista Association of Sports Acrobatics the 19th International Acrobatic Gymnastics Tournament “Stars above the Boug River” will be held in the city of Vinnitsa (UKR) on February 24-27, 2010. 250 km from the Ukrainian capital of Kiev, Vinnitsa is located on the banks of the Southern Boug River, which gave the prestigious tournament its name.

When the tournament first took place in 1999, participants came from Bulgaria, Poland, the USA and Ukraine. Since that time, the number of participating countries has increased to 13, with a total of 265 individuals participating this year as delegates of Azerbaijan, Great Britain, Belarus, Belgium, Israel, Kazakhsten, Moldova, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine.

Senior and junior acrobats start off in all five categories: Mixed Pairs, Women's Pairs, Men's Pairs, Women's Group and Men's Group. In all categories, winners of past international acrobatic competitions will showcase their skills, which is why this tournament attracts so much attention.

A few key players of the senior’s competition:

Men’s Pair:
GBR: 2009 World Games Bronze medallists and European runners-up: Douglas FORDYCE, Edward UPCOTT
UKR – 2009 World Games Champions, 2008 World Champions, European Champions: Sergei POPOV, Mikola CHERBAK

Women’s Pair:
AZE - 2009 World Games runner-up: Ayla AMMADOVA, Dilara SULTANOVA
BEL - 2009 World Games Gold medallists: Florence HENRIST, Tatjana DE VOS

Mixed Pair:
BEL - 2009 World Games runners-up: Julie VAN GELDER, Menno VANDERGHOTE
GBR - 2009 World Games Bronze medallists: Nicholas ILLINGWORTH, Katie AXTEN

Men’s Group:
GBR - 2009 World Games Silver medallists and European Champions: Adam MCASSEY, Adam BUCKINGHAM, Alex UTTLEY, Jonathan STRANKS.

Women’s Group:
GBR - 2009 World Games Silver medallists: Emma WALTERS, Jennie MILLER, Katherine SMITH
RUS – 2009 World Games Champions, 2008 World Champions, European Champions: Ekaterina STROYNOVA, Ekaterina LOGINOVA, Kristina KAZANTSEVA
UKR – 2009 World Games Bronze medallists and European runners-up: Natalia VINNIK, Kateryna KALYTA, Yuliya ODINTSOVA

2009 “Stars above the Boug River” title holders:

Men’s Pair: Konstantyn AVERYN / Petr GMYZYN (KAZ) - 85.109
Women’s Pair: Tatjana DE VOS / Florence HENRIST (BEL) - 86.613
Mixed Pair: Menno VANDERGHOTE / Julie VAN GELDER (BEL) - 87.207
Men’s Group: Russia (Arthur AVAKJAN, Jury GERASIMOV, Konstantin STETSENKO and Grigory SERGIENKO) - 85.775
Women’s Group: Russia (Ekaterina STROYNOVA, Ekaterina LOGINOVA and Aygul SHAYKHUDINOVA) - 88.320

FIG Academy Working Group for Acrobatic Gymnastics

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, February 22, 2010: On the day following the conclusion of the meetings of the Academy Working Group for Aerobic and then Trampoline Gymnastics, the Acrobatic Gymnastics Working Group also met at the FIG Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) on February 19 – 20, 2010.

As for the others, the primary purpose of the meeting was to prepare the curriculum, content and resources for the first Level 3 Academies planned for August this year. In addition, the working group reviewed all documents, resources and lectures from the first Level 1 and 2 academies, both of which were held during 2009.

Present at the meeting were FIG Vice President Slava Corn (CAN), Karl Wharton (member of the FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics TC), Toshko Pavlov (former Bulgarian and British National Coach), Dr. Keith Russell (President of the FIG Scientific Commission), Hardy Fink (Director of FIG Education & Academy Programmes) and Olivia Bille Peña (Manager of FIG Education Programmes). Unable to attend was Irina Nikitina of Russia, Vice President of the FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics Technical Committee.

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 Technical Manual and also to the Age Group Resource DVD that is given to all coaches when attending an academy. Because of the tremendous amount of advance work done by Karl Wharton, it was possible for Hardy Fink to also finish the 212-page Level 3 Technical Manual, a task that would otherwise have taken many weeks to complete.

The Acrobatic Gymnastics Working Group is very much ahead of schedule to conduct the first Level 3 Academy scheduled for August 24 - 31, 2010 in Porto (POR). That first academy will be used to invite the coaches of the world’s most successful countries and also the Acrobatics Technical Committee.

Visit of the FIG Athletes' Commission

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Head Office, February 8, 2010: It is with these words that IOC President Jacques Rogge welcomed on January 28 the six gymnasts making up the new FIG Athletes’ Commission. He went on to say “important and empowered to set an example and to be keen to disseminate it around you in your own disciplines”.

Senior Manager of the IOC Sports Department in charge of the relations with the International Federations, Pierre Ducrey commented on the important role of the Athletes’ Commission within the Olympic Movement and on the responsibilities of their members in terms of development and education.

It was the first meeting of the FIG Athletes' Commission of current cycle 2009-2012 and also their first visit to the FIG Head Office in Lausanne. After the welcoming words by Vice-President Slava Corn (CAN), Secretary General André Gueisbuhler spoke at length on the statutory duties and commitments which will be the Commission’s during the coming weeks. Technical Regulations, gymnasts’ licenses, prize money, training and competition conditions, fight against doping were the highlights of the day which culminated in the election of the Finn Jani Tanskanen to the Commission’s presidency.

A former World Champion at the horizontal bar, he will speak on behalf of all the gymnasts and will therefore join the FIG Executive Committee and the FIG Council, a body where he will have the right of vote.

The FIG Athletes’ Commission was set up in 1999 during the extraordinary Congress in Tianjin (CHN). It started to work in 2000 and is drawing everybody’s attention, in particular the attention of FIG President Bruno Grandi (ITA) a former gymnast himself. “We all bear a cultural responsibility towards our gymnasts. We exist because they exist. Our destinies are linked ! » repeatedly said the Federation boss.

This visit in Lausanne to the IOC and FIG head offices was an opportunity for the Athletes’ Commission new members to get used to the administrative surroundings and to the spirit which spurs both institutions.

Disciplinary measures

LAUSANNE (SUI) FIG Office, January 29, 2010: Acting on the recommendation of its Disciplinary Commission, the FIG Presidential Commission ruled on the doping cases involving gymnasts Daiane dos Santos (BRA) and Alisa Usmanova (BLR).

The Brazilian gymnast is suspended for a 5-month period, starting January 27, 2010 or the day the decision was issued by the Presidential Commission, thus underscoring the proposal submitted by the FIG Disciplinary Commission. Having tested for Furosemide on July 2, 2009 out of competition, Daiane dos Santos was heard by the FIG Disciplinary Commission on December 18, 2009 in Lausanne.

A member of the Byelorussian female Trio, Alisa Usmanova was suspended for the period of one year starting January 27, 2010. Traces of the same substance had been detected in a sample taken from the Byelorussian gymnast on October 3, 2009 at the Acrobatic Gymnastics European Championships in Vila do Conde, Portugal. As a result of her suspension, Usmanova has been disqualified from that competition. This will have a bearing on the final ranking, as the Trio disappears altogether from the list. Third in the All-around, the position falls to Great Britain. In Balance, the Silver goes to Ukraine and the Bronze to Belgium.

Both decisions have come into force. The two gymnasts, along with the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA), have the right to appeal to the FIG Appeal Tribunal or the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) respectively within 21 days of notification.

FIG Athletes’ Commission

LAUSANNE (SUI) FIG Office, January 28, 2010: Convened for its first meeting at the FIG Head Office in Lausanne, the FIG Athletes’ Commission for the 2009 – 2012 Olympic Cycle has elected a new President, Finnish born Jani Tanskanen.

The Commission is made up of one representative from each of the FIG’s competitive disciplines: Jani Tanskanen (FIN) for Men’s Artistic, Nastia Liukin (USA) for Women’s Artistic, Vera Sessina (RUS) for Rhythmic, Dmitri Poliaroush (BLR) for Trampoline, Anna Macanita (POR) for Aerobic and Sabrina Hegele (GER) for Acrobatic. The new president holds a seat on the Executive Board and one on the FIG Council as a representative of the Federation’s athlete body.

Jani Tanskanen is the Director of Men’s Artistic within the Finnish Gymnastics Federation, and was an active, national A list gymnast until 2008. Among his many achievements is a Horizontal Bar Gold at the World Championships in Lausanne in 1997.

Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation

LAUSANNE (SUI) FIG Office, January 22, 2010: It was with deep regret that the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation informed the FIG community that Mr Arif Ahadov passed away at the age of 69.

Ahadov was the head coach of the Acrobatic Gymnastics national team from 1976 to 1990, during which time he widely contributed to the development of the discipline, reaching the top level at international competitions.

The FIG extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, as well as to Azerbaijani gymnasts and authorities nationwide.

FIG Acrobatic Technical Committee meeting
Lausanne (SUI), November 18-21, 2009

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, November 23, 2009: The FIG Acrobatic Technical Committee gathered from November 18-21, 2009 at the FIG Head Office for their third ordinary meeting this year.

FIG President Prof Bruno Grandi (ITA) and Secretary General André Gueisbuhler gave a warm welcome to the Committee members, who for the first time had an opportunity to make use of the facilities at the Head Office for their meeting.

Development

A wide range of topics dealing primarily with the development of the discipline were on the order of the day, an issue which is the Committee’s primary mission. Reviewing the World Age Group Competitions was, for instance, part of the process of improving the programme. Furthermore, with the constant support of President Grandi, a special development project was submitted for approval and will be launched for the period of 2010-2012. The project includes the implementation of introductory courses and training camps on the Asian and American continent.

Promotion

In the context of the promotion of gymnastics, the TC met with Bernard Petiot, Vice-President of Casting and Performance at Cirque du Soleil. The FIG and the Cirque will be working together to produce developmental and promotional materials. The information will target countries that have not yet introduced Acrobatic Gymnastics and will include additional data aimed at assisting coaches with their work. The TC together with Cirque du Soleil will give a joint presentation at the 78th Congress in Vysoke Tatry (SVK) in October 2010.

Technical topics

On a more technical and organisational side, the Committee looked over the event calendar for the rest of the current Olympic Cycle, analysed new technical elements and reviewed the number of countries participating at World Championship events. A total of 25 different countries are expected to participate at the Senior level in 2010, which means an increase of 8 since 2008. This would be the largest number of countries participating since the IFSA merger with the FIG.

Judging

In response to the trial and subsequent analysis of the European Championships that took place beginning of October in Vila do Conde (POR), the TC adopted new judging forms to be used for FIG competitions. The standards, that were tested in Vila do Conde, allow for better tracking of artistry and execution judging. The Committee wants to dedicate more time and give greater emphasis to the education of judges by providing appropriate learning tools and assistance during competitions.

Last but not least, TC members took advantage of this meeting to get in touch with former TC President Dr Patricia Wade, and to update her on the Committee’s current activities by video call. A beloved colleague, Dr Wade suffers from a severe illness, and the Committee doesn’t miss an opportunity to send their warm greetings and affection her way. Christmas greetings to Dr Wade from her friends around the world be greatly appreciated.

Gizela Zielinska (POL) has also been in hospital for hip surgery. There have been some complications and her recovery has been slowl  The TC sends many good wishes for return to full recovery soon.

While in Lausanne, the ACRO TC enjoyed the opportunity to spend an evening with the Gymnastics for All Committee.  A common love of gymnastics instantly created a warm atmosphere.  The two committees were joined by FIG Sport Manager Alexandre Cola, and everyone appreciated the time spent developing friendships.

24th European Championships in Acrobatic Gymnastics
Vila Do Conde (POR), October 1 – 4, 2009

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, October 5, 2009: The last competitions of the 24th European Championships in Acrobatic Gymnastics in Vila do Conde (POR) attributed the European titles for 2009. A very large audience attended the competition venue for the Senior programme. Russia (Womens Group and Men’s Pair), Belgium (Mixed Pair), Belarus (Women’s Pair) and Bulgaria (Men's Group) are the new title holders.

Mixed Pair
It was a pleasure seeing the five Pairs once again and to wait for the final verdict who of the Pairs - the Belgians or the Russians - would win the title. Thanks to a great and new choreography, Julie von der Gelder and Menno van der Gothe, the favourites of the local spectators, obtained the very high score of 28.655. The Russian Pair Tatiana Okulova and Revaz Gurgenidze seemed not to be too satisfied with their routine (28.250). The British gymnasts Katie Axten and Nicholas Illingworth got this time the second best note of 28.351.

Ranking of the all-around competition:
1. Belgium 86.064
2. Russia 85.253
3. Great Britain 84.908
4. Ukraine 83.250; 5. Lithuania 82.100

Women’s Pair
Seven Pairs competed. The gymnasts from Belgium Florence Henrist and Tatjana De Vos presented a good exercise and got 28.112, to their entire satisfaction. They were closely followed by the Pair from Azerbaijan, Ayla Ahmadova and Dilara Sultanova; one would like to see them a bit more graceful, apart their technical qualities (28.070). The beautiful Pair from Belarus Alina Yushko and Katsiaryna Murashko obtained 27940.

Ranking of the all-around competition:
1. Belarus 84.552
2. Great-Britain 84.106
3. Azerbaijan 83.981
4. Belgium 82.925; 5. Germany 82.261; 6. Ukraine 81.947; 7. Russia 81.403

Men’s Pair
Eight Men’s Pairs competed. Immense applause for the Pair Tiago Figueiredo and Joao Maia. Supported by their public, the two gymnasts from Porto realised a great routine rewarded with a score of 28.455 which couldn’t be beaten – the hall exploded! They can go home with a third medal, a Bronze one. For their combined routine, the Russians got 28.406 and the British 28.262.

Ranking of the all-around competition:
1. Russia 85.356
2. Great Britain 84.526
3. Portugal 84.418
4. Ukraine 83.404; 5. Belarus 83.305; 6. Poland 81.807

Women’s Group
Ten Groups competed. The trio from Portugal has a gymnast who was injured during a recent national championship and could only present the balance exercise; therefore, this trio had to withdraw for the combined. Without surprise, the Russian Group wins easily and one can once again appreciate their brio. Their exercise receives once again the best note of the day: 28.800. The 2008 World Championships runners up leave behind them the Ukrainians (28.450) and the Belarusians (28.150).

Ranking of the all-around competition:
1. Russia 86.187, the best total
2. Ukraine 85.252
3. Belarus 84.658
4. Great Britain 84.540; 5. Belgium 84.009; 6. Poland 80.520

Mens’s Group
The Ukrainians came to Vila do Conde to defend their title, but their hopes fell with the first series of the pyramid. The rest of the exercise showed also smaller faults. Score 25.770 and not much chance to finish on the podium. The Russians (28.207), Belarus (28.101) and the British (28.010) were much better. As the FIG had forbidden the quadruple salto as it is considered too risky, it needed courage to realise the triple salto backwards. The most regular of the three competitions goes home with the title, Belarus.

1. Belarus 83.693
2. Bulgaria 83.489
3. Poland 82.630
4. Great Britain, 82.332; 5. Ukraine 81.859; 6. Russia 81.394

(UEG / adapt. FIG)

The detailed results can be checked here!
Consult www.ueg-gymnastics.com for more reports and videos.

24th European Championships in Acrobatic Gymnastics
Vila Do Conde (POR), October 1 – 4, 2009

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, October 2, 2009: Seven Men’s Groups, eight Women’s Pairs, six Mixed Pairs, eleven Women’s Groups and Men’s Pairs competed for the senior’s Qualifications at the 24th Acrobatic Gymnastics European Championships. Several nations are leading in the five categories.

In the first category, we have seen the very impressive exercises of the Men's Groups. The Bulgarians showed themselves the best, in front of the Ukrainians and the gymnasts from Belarus. The English Group, deprived of its bonus for the quadruple salto, which is now forbidden during the competitions, is on the fourth rank.

The competition of the Women’s Pairs resulted in the domination of the Pairs from Belarus, Ukraine and Germany. The Russian Pair is fourth.

The probably most appreciated competition, the one of the Mixed Pairs, has been marked by the spectacular programme of the Belgians. Julie van Gelder and Sam Pauwels, European Junior Champions in 2007, have further progressed in the art of dance and pantomime. They lead the ranking of the Qualifications before the Pairs from Russia and Great Britain.

There was some confusion in the category of the Men’s Pairs. The two Pairs Ukraine 1 and 2 had reversed their starting order. The superior jury treated the unusual case after the end of the competition. Less than one point separate the seven first, the competition was lead by Russia, before Great Britain and Ukraine.

In the second part, one could see very beautiful exercises in the category of the Women’s Groups, which presented very dynamic exercises. Russia is leading before Ukraine and the two English Groups.

Friday, the seniors will present their second programme, either dynamic, or static. The eight best in each category and exercise will compete in the Individual Finals.

(UEG / adapt. FIG)

Check http://www.ueg-gymnastics.com for updates on the 24th Acrobatic Gymnastics European Championships for Seniors as well as the 8th Juniors' European Championships in Vila Do Condo!

24th European Championships in Acrobatic Gymnastics
Vila Do Conde (POR), October 1 – 4, 2009

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, September 24, 2009: From September 25 – 29 the 4th Acrobatic Gymnastics European Age Group Games will take place in Vila do Conde POR, followed by the 24th European Championships for Seniors and 8th European Championships for Juniors, from October 1 – 4, 2009.

Some 422 gymnasts from 18 national federations will compete at the Acrobatic Gymnastics European Championships end of September and beginning of October in Vila Do Conde (POR) in the categories Women’s Pairs, Men’s Pairs, Mixed Pairs, Women’s Trios and Men’s Groups. Of the different winners in 2007 in the senior’s category, only the Ukrainian men’s four will defend their title. The titleholder in the junior category (Russia) will also compete, but in the seniors’ category. Several medallists of 2007 will be present in Portugal in a different category or with other partners.

Titleholders Seniors 2007 in s’Hertogenbosch (NED)
Women’s Pair: Khakimova/Ploskova (RUS)
Men’s Pair: Popov/Shcherbak (UKR)
Mixed Pair: Kovtun/Glazkov (RUS)
Women’s Group : Grove-Morrison-Lamkin (GBR)
Men’s Group: Kriuchkov/Lytvak/Urazbakiyev/Bilozor (UKR)

Programme 2009:
September 28: European Age Group Games - Qualifications
September 29: EAGG – Finals
October 1 - 2: Qualifications Juniors and Seniors /1st part Juniors Finals
October 3: Individual Finals Juniors and Seniors / second part and end October 4: Finals Seniors All-around (combined exercise)

(UEG / adapt. FIG)

FIG World Cup B in Acrobatic Gymnastics
Veliky Novgorod (RUS), August 21 - 22, 2009

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, August 25, 2009: After St Paul (USA), this year’s second FIG World Cup tournament in Acrobatic Gymnastics took place from August 21 – 22 in Veliky Novgorod (RUS). 81 gymnasts from nine different federations competed in this event.

Once again the gymnasts presented a fantastic display of high level acrobatics. Participating for the first time at a World Cup event, the Men's Pair from Tajikistan were welcomed by the family of acrobatics. They represented their country well, and gave notice of more to come. The medal winners were spread among the twelve participating countries and deservedly so. The Gold medals were shared between China (Men’s Group), Belgium (Mixed Pair), Russia (Women’s Group and Men’s Pair) and Belarus (Women’s Pair).

Men’s Group
Gold – CHN - Total: 29.001
Silver – RUS 1 - Total: 28.957
Bronze – RUS 3 - Total: 28.911

Women’s Group
Gold – RUS1 - Total: 29.250
Silver – BEL - Total: 28.603
Bronze – BLR – Total: 25.580

Mixed Pair
Gold – BEL: VAN GELDER Julie / VANDERGHOTE Menno - Total: 28.855
Silver – RUS2: GORBATUK Anastasia / BARLEBEN Alexander - Total: 28.804
Bronze – RUS3: BASTRIGINA Olga / LEONOV Anatoly - Total: 28.350

Men’s Pair
Gold – RUS1: PILIPCHUK Konstantin / DUDCHENKO Alexey - Total: 29.057
Silver – RUS2: SPIRIN Vycheslav / KOTELNIKOV Stanislav - Total: 28.912
Bronze – CHN1: CHEN Hongen / YANG Hengyi - Total: 28.832

Women’s Pair
Gold – BLR: YUSHKO Alina / MURASHKO Katsiaryna - Total: 29.151
Silver – AZE: SULTANOVA Dilara / AHMADOVA Ayla - Total: 28.702
Bronze – BEL: DE VOS Tatjana / HENRIST Florence - Total: 28.612

Check the detailed results!

The World Cup winners were presented with their trophies by the FIG President Bruno Grandi during a special performance for Gennady Aleshin, Vice President of the Ministry of Sport in Russia and Vice President of the Olympic Committee of Russia.

Congratulations and much appreciation to the Russian Sport Acrobatic Federation and Committee of Physical Culture and Sport Veliky Novgorod Region and to FIG TC ACRO Vice President Irina Nikitina for a successful World Cup Series Final.

Lausanne (SUI), August 19, 2009: From August 19 – 23, the city of Veliky Novgorod (RUS) will be hosting a stage on the category B FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics World Cup Series. This is a major event, particularly for gymnasts of the eastern European zone, and will sketch a new hierarchy in the discipline. 90 athletes are on the starting line from 11 different countries.

Russia and China are the favourites for this event but nothing is set in stone; the competition is wide open and is a first leg in the race for the 2010 Worlds in Wrocklaw (POL).

A few of last year’s medallists from the 2008 World Championships in Glasgow (GBR) will be in Veliky Novgorod: Alexei Dudchenko and Konstantin Pilipchuk (RUS - Silver Men's Pair); Alina Yushko and Katsiaryna Murashko (BLR - or Women's Pair); Anastasia Gorbatyuk and Akexander Barleben (RUS - Silver Mixed Pair).

Tatiana Okulova and Revaz Gurgenidze (RUS) will be making their comeback after having been sanctioned and excluded from competition since the 2007 World Cup Final in Puurs (BEL).

This is the comeback of a legendary Mixed Pair!

Symposium

A symposium is planned for August 23, 2009. It will take place in the same venue in conjunction with this FIG World Cup Series.

The symposium will be conducted by the FIG Acrobatic Gymnastics Technical Committee, FIG President Prof. Bruno Grandi (ITA) and FIG Secretary General Andre Gueisbuhler, and targets the family of Acrobatic Gymnastics.

The three major topics to be tackled are as follows: The short life cycle of competitive gymnasts. How can contributing factors such as the competition calendar, the transitional phase from age group to senior gymnastics, and life after competition be more wisely handled? Increase recognition of the discipline. How can the discipline be better promoted? Who are the discipline’s media stars? Initiatives to increase participation. In an effort to pinpoint opportunities to boost the number of countries participating in ACRO World Championships, problems need to be identified.

The Cirque du Soleil, official partner of the FIG, is jointly associated with the Symposium, which will be chaired by FIG President Prof. Bruno Grandi (ITA).

FIG World Cup B in Acrobatic Gymnastics
Veliky Novgorod (RUS), August 21 - 22, 2009

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, August 7, 2009: World class Acro performances are guaranteed at the upcoming FIG World Cup on August 21 – 22, with the 2008 World Champions, 2009 World Games Champions and winners of the recent Freedom Cup lining up in Veliky Novgorod (RUS)!

In Women’s Pairs spectators get to see 2008 World Championship runners-up and 2009 World Games Gold medallists Florence Henrist and Tatjana de Vos from Belgium as well as the current World Champions Alina Yushko and Katsiaryna Murashko (BLR). Strong competition hails from Russia with Raushaniya Khakimova and Alena Ploskova, Glasgow Bronze medallists, and from Azerbaijan with Kaohsiung runners-up Ayla Ahmadova and Dilara Sultanova. Furthermore, Russia’s second entry, and the Pairs from China and Germany are not to be undervalued!

The Men’s Pair competition features Glasgow and Kaohsiung Silver medallists Konstantin Pilipchuk and Alexey Dudchenko from Russia and their compatriots Viacheslav Spirin and Stanislav Kotelnikov, 4th at the 2008 World Championships. The Portuguese Pair Joao Maia and Tiago Fegueiredo recently won the Freedom Cup in St. Paul. Fans can look forward to performances from the two registered Chinese Pairs, the Pairs from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tadzhikistan and Moldavia.

In the absence of the World Champions and of the winners of the World Games in Kaohsiung, the Belgian Pair made of Julie Van Gelder and Menno Vandergrothe, second in Kaohsiung, and Glasgow runners-up Anastasia Gobartuk and Alexander Barlben from Russia, certainly count among the favourites in Veliky Novgorod. China and Kazakhstan will also compete in this category while Russia will be represented by two additional Mixed Pairs.

World Games winners and Glasgow runners-up Shaykhutdinova, Stroynova and Loginova (RUS 1) stand out of the field of Women’s Groups, followed by Kaohsiung runners-up from Belgium Vanstaen, Croket and Van Hombeeck. Also competing are Groups from Belarus, China, France, Kazakhstan and Russia’s second entry.

China’s Men’s Group will be matching against three Russian Groups, one of which (RUS 3) placed 4th at the 2008 World Championships in Glasgow.

Check the nominative registration!

This upcoming World Cup features the last event of the current FIG World Cup Series. The overall winners in the five categories will be awarded the World Cups during a specific award ceremony chaired by FIG President Prof. Bruno Grandi in person.