Gymnast Borisova won the all-around at the second stage of the "Cup of the Strongest"

Grace, which defies the laws of physics, and beauty, brought to the absolute, reigned for three days in Moscow. The second stage of the "Cup of the Strongest" in rhythmic gymnastics has ended in the capital. The carpet is not just a competition, but a high art woven from the most complex elements. More precisely, they were more elegant and cleaner than the pupils of the Celestial Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, Alina Kabayeva. Roman Ishmukhametov, a correspondent for Izvestia, told on May 17 how balls, ribbons, and clubs come to life in the hands of the best of the best.

Withstand the pressure and keep a smile until the last second, because even one inaccuracy can cost a medal. The second stage of the "Cup of the Strongest" brought together the best athletes from five countries.

On the day of the start, the gymnasts, of course, arrived long before going to the podium: it all started with warming up the body, then working with the subject, repeating complex elements, setting up before going out.

Every day, the Olympic champion literally lived with the pupils of the Heavenly Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy. Advice and motivation from Alina Kabayeva helped the gymnasts to reveal their strengths on the carpet.

"The most important thing is to start, Masha. Once you start, that's it, and to the end. If you leave the court, then you will only relax, you will work until the end," Kabayeva addressed the athlete.

Maria Borisova worked to the maximum. She has gold in the all—around, silver in the hoop and maces. Masha's coach is Irina Gusarova.

"I managed to complete four programs without losses in the all-around. It was a goal, I fulfilled it," said Borisova, the winner of the second stage of the Strongest Cup.

She confirmed her high level after winning the World Cup in Tashkent. Each of her performances, whether it's hypnotic, enchanting with a ribbon to Ravel's music, or completely different in mood, like a new ball program directed by Irina Zenovka, is always very integral and organic.

"Masha Borisova also has a very strong artistry, she expresses music and the nature of the exercise in a more mature way," said Olga Churakova, the judge of the second stage of the Strongest Cup.

Eva Kononova won silver in the all—around, and gold in the final in the hoop, clubs and ribbon event. The second place is with the ball. Evgenia Eliseeva and Olga Minigalina prepared Kononov for the start. The athlete's strong point is speed. Fast bundles, high density of elements, amplitude and purity of execution.

The technique and skill of both athletes are highly appreciated.

"I would like to mention the incredible risks. These are outliers in a coup without hands, without visual control," said Daria Sidorova, the judge of the second stage of the Strongest Cup.

Belarusian athlete Anna Kamenshchikova won the bronze medal in the all—around. The juniors of the Celestial Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, Alina Kabayeva, performed well at this stage. Yana Zaikina won gold in the all-around. She is the first in the hoop and ribbon exercise, the second with clubs.

Ksenia Savinova won silver in the all—around and first place in the finals for her performance with clubs and a ball.

Both juniors are coached by Evgenia Eliseeva and Olga Minigalina. And of course, there was always an Olympic champion next to the athletes. Kabayeva prepares them for the struggle for leadership.

"We are preparing for such competitions — for the European Championship. You're going out now, you're scared, you're not scared, imagine that you're on WHAT," she said.

Ksenia Evdokimova from Belarus took the third place in the all—around.

Daria Pirogova, coach of the junior team of group exercises at Alina Kabayeva's Heavenly Grace Academy, photographed the gold medals of the students to update the screensaver on her smartphone. It's such a tradition. This time, the photo turned out to be special: the young stars have all the first places.

"In terms of cleanliness, they have more breathing space," Pirogova said.

They became a team just six months ago, and they have no equal in Russia. The athletes are part of the national team, but they were unable to compete at the European Cup only because they did not manage to get a neutral status for a long time.

The team's motto is "One for all and all for one." A single tempo, good amplitudes, and internal dynamics are what sets them apart from their rivals.

Alina Kabayeva always helps all athletes, both individuals and group exercise teams, to prepare for all starts. High results are her work, energy, and mentoring.

The second and third places in the all—around among juniors went to teams from Moscow, Trudovye Reservy, and the Omsk region.

"All the teams are good, they all have their advantages, we gain experience with competitions," said Yulia Sevastyanova, a junior gymnast of the group exercises team.

The teams of the group exercises among the seniors had an intense struggle for medals. The team of Russian regions won. Athletes from St. Petersburg took the second place, Kyrgyzstan won the bronze. These days, the group exercises team from the Northern Capital has received a neutral status, which means that gymnasts can compete at international competitions. Kabayeva wished good luck to the Russian national team.

"The first six places are the Russian national team. From the first to the third is the main one, from the fourth to the sixth is the reserve. Well, that's great. Come on, good luck. Everyone has a chance," Kabayeva addressed the athletes.

Chance is always important in sports. Here in Moscow, thanks to the quota of the International Sports Support Association Heavenly Grace, both individual and group exercise teams were able to participate.

The third stage of the Strongest Cup will be held in Sirius in the summer, and the final will be held in Moscow in the fall. The next major start is the European Championship in Bulgaria. The athletes are now preparing as much as possible for this important tournament.

"Yes, I am a seasoned Russian girl."

Olympic champion Angelina Melnikova — about the triumphant end of the season and plans for the future

Earlier, on May 2, it was reported that the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup in Baku began with the triumph of Russian athletes. The main characters of the tournament were our juniors Yana Zaikina and Ksenia Savinova. They train under the guidance of Evgenia Eliseeva. For both gymnasts of the main Russian national team, this continental cup was the first in their careers — and an immediate success. The pupils of the Celestial Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy Alina Kabayeva confidently passed the tournament distance and won the team Cross Battle, confirming the high level of the Russian school in the international arena.