The "Grand Prix" of the Alina Kabayeva Cup of Champions took place in Moscow

The Grand Prix of the Alina Kabayeva Cup of Champions has ended in Moscow. This is the first international competition in Russia under the new rules this year.

Athletes from 20 countries took part in the tournament, as well as the team of the International Association of Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs "Heavenly Grace".

The president of the International Association of Heavenly Grace Clubs, Olympic champion Alina Kabayeva, also came to support the gymnasts. According to the athletes themselves, her words are a very powerful incentive. She has special words for each gymnast.

"How well you rolled the ball, Carolyn. You're doing a great job! Remember the ball and that's it. Of course, your elements are all changing into other types," says Kabayeva to Karolina Tarasova, a graduate of the Heavenly Grace Academy of Rhythmic Gymnastics.

"Her support helps me a lot. When she comes, I immediately want to train, she motivates me. She doesn't scold, she gives the right instructions," said the pupil herself.

At the competitions this time, a lot of attention is paid to artistry and emotions. According to the participants of the tournament, it has become harder to compete.

"You know, artistry has been added, but complexity has also been added. Those who do not have difficulties cannot compete," said two—time Olympic champion Evgenia Kanaeva.

The Heavenly Grace team is competing against gymnasts from other countries at an international tournament. For the first time, such a unique format was tested at the BRICS Games in Kazan. For gymnasts, performing as part of the Heavenly Grace is an opportunity to compete with the strongest athletes.

"Probably, this atmosphere is from Alina, whom I have known since I was 10 years old, whom I saw in Japan at the World Cup and immediately called a radiant girl," says Olga Buyanova, Honored coach of Russia and the USSR.

Niki Reznik has two silver medals, she plays for the juniors. Veronika Malinina, a junior, also won silver in the all-around. And Elina Barsukova has the gold – she represents Russia.

"There was a little bit of excitement, but not much. I tell myself that I can do anything, everything will work out, everything has been worked out," she said.

Maria Borisova, the favorite of the audience, was the first among the seniors in the all-around and took the top four places in the final with hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. Alina Kabayeva helped Masha before going to the carpet.

"After the championship, since I became the champion of Russia, it was important not to go down, to confirm my title. And I think I did it well," the athlete noted.

For foreign gymnasts, performing at the Grand Prix is an opportunity to compete with the best.

"I love rhythmic gymnastics because it is very beautiful and elastic," says Canadian gymnast Emilia Goncharova.

"This tournament gives me a lot of opportunities, my dad and mom are proud of me," said Susana Valbuena from Venezuela.

The "groupies" of "Heavenly Grace" won two silver and one gold. But the team has been training recently.

"We've been working very hard on our programs, working on them. We have traveled such a short but difficult path. And, of course, they've done it today, for today. They performed the best they can," said Anna Ustsova, coach of the Heavenly Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy.

According to Izvestia correspondent Nikolai Ivanov, the winners and prize-winners of the tournament received not only medals as awards. The Alina Kabayeva Charitable Foundation also awarded gymnasts with certificates in three categories: "for the will to win," "artistry," and "elegance." As well as winners and prize-winners in individual sports among both "singles" and "group games".