President of the All-Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation (VFCG) Irina Vigner in an interview with , she summarized the results of the international Crystal Rose tournament in Minsk, talked about the team’s immediate competitive plans, and also why she was interested in working with Dina and Arina Averina.
– The Crystal Rose tournament is very important, but it really blossomed when our gymnasts came there. To put it allegorically, what flower did you think bloomed in this tournament?
“First of all, the flower of our friendship blossomed. At the same time, a flower bloomed, denoting the beauty of rhythmic gymnastics. In the individual form of the program, two of the strongest teams in the world (Russia and Belarus) met. They were and are. And, of course, that we don’t compete in the European and World Championships is a big test for rhythmic gymnastics.
Today we had the world and European championships. And even the judges said their hands and legs were shaking as they gave scores. Because there was a serious sports fight between girls who are friends with each other, correspond. And the fact is that girls from other countries who perform without Russia and Belarus are really sorry about this. They are girls from Bulgaria, Italy…
Today Lala Kramarenko won two events, two events were won by girls from Belarus – Anastasia Salos and Alina Gornosko, who performed well again yesterday. Dina and Arina Averina also performed well. Unfortunately, Dina was slightly injured on the first day, but she is a fighter, a soldier. She’s been through it all, done it all, and she’ll be fine, of course.
– As for Lala, she should now be on equal footing with Dina and Arina. But I also really liked, and even encouraged to continue working, that we have great young people. Today the girls competed as juniors, tomorrow they will be adults. They must either replace or compete on equal terms with the gymnasts who have become adults. And they won three places – first / second and so on. And they made a very good impression on the judges and even on me. We have something to do.
– Dina and Arina are already centuries-old gymnasts. What tasks have been assigned to them and what is their strategy in the future?
– The thing is, as you called them… They just opened just now. When they were little, they were all called circus performers. They only took risks, complexity. They had no femininity and I talked about it all the time. Unfortunately, it so happens that Dina and Arina felt a taste of femininity, beauty, grace, light and love with me just now. And in the current exercises, they feel it.
It’s so nice to work with them, they are already adult girls. And they are all right! They have a motivation, a desire. They want to be loved, to perform. I can’t say they have everything in front of them. But I see that there is still a lot to do.
And Lala? Does it motivate her that the sisters keep performing?
– Sure. The oak does not grow in the desert – it grows among the oaks. Dina, Arina and Lala make a very good trio, a trio that can compete with each other. And in Spartakiad with them in the same program, girls will compete, who currently compete in juniors. The competition will be very serious.
– How do Dina and Arina see this competition?
“I think it’s very important for them too. It stimulates them and in no way gives them the opportunity to relax and not believe in themselves. Because first I believe in them. And I say they are the best.
– Can you compare our rules with the international rules, which ones apply here?
– The fact is that these little girls have always been within the framework of those rules that did not allow Russia to perform in the beauty and grandeur in which rhythmic gymnastics exists in Russia. And what about universality… It must have been kind of a blur – so they did it with the rules for many, many years. First it was Mr. Bruno Grandi, then others. And then Natalya Kuzmina, unfortunately, succumbed and began to blur these rules.
Our little girls were in a cage, they couldn’t get out. And they started to get used to it – they couldn’t make new elements… And I broke that cage thanks to the penalties. We have established rules that give them complete freedom. All elements, interesting risks, work with the subject – there are no restrictions. Another thing is that if they can and want to, we have to see if they succeed. Therefore, everything must be arranged correctly, it is necessary to do exactly what was learned correctly for today. And then you can order everything right away and possibly lose.
— What do foreign coaches say about Russian rules?
– They performed under Russian rules at Alina Kabaeva’s “Heavenly Grace” competition. They all liked it because they had some really cool stuff they were allowed to do.
– How do you see the future evolution of rhythmic gymnastics?
– You know, I would like our girls to go to the world and European championships and show themselves there. But, unfortunately, this is not possible now. And it’s very depressing.
We try to do as many competitions and outings as possible. And it is very important that they receive the same rewards and dividends as in international competitions. So that they don’t have a single thought that they are abandoned by the coaches, the state and all those people who have always helped us and continue to help.
– What other tournaments are planned for our team?
– We should have competitions in Hungary, our colleague lives there, who invited us. Then comes the Spartakiad and many all-Russian competitions. Now they are very important, because children all over Russia will be able to see their rulers. Previously, athletes jumped them for the sake of international departures, but now everything has fallen into place in this regard. Children see their heroes and follow them.
How long do you think the current situation will last?
– There is no answer to this question. It doesn’t need to be said or explained. It’s just that the sports policy must be such that we seek competitions in Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, Asia. China shows us a very great perspective. These competitions should be in sight, we should look to them.
And Europe… Europe as Europe. They will stay where they are today. The last European Championship, unfortunately, left a lot to be desired. Europe has always been the strongest – now it’s impossible to say.
Source : MatchTV
