26. RG-WCh: Finals groups and Gala

Three-time Group World Champion - Russia

Russia in front of Bulgaria and Italy is the ranking for the medals in both group finals which have been the last competition at the 26th World Championships in Budapest
The Russians presented themselves sovereignly with 5 ribbons (25.200) and 2 balls/ 3 hoops (25.275) but the decision in the ball/ hoop final, where 2nd placed Bulgaria scored 25.200, has been very tight. Favourites of the audience were once again the Italians with their spectacular choreographies.

Spectacular presentation of the Italian group

Two times silver for Bulgaria

Final 5 ribbons:
The mood in the Budapest Sports Arena has not been the same today compared to the last days although with about 4.000 people the venue was quite crowded and the presented routines were of course also the same as in the all-around . But it seemed that the groups now at the end of the Championships are tired. Of course, they have competed for WCh’s medals also today but the tension has not been the same as in the all-around were they competed also for the Olympic qualification. So there were only two groups today which have not made mistakes, the two highest ranked ones.
Also the Italian group which wanted to win a medal today after their ungrateful 4th rank in the all-around has made mistakes in their spectacular routine – like all other following groups. The most disappointing result has probably been achieved by Ukraine which ended up only on rank 8.

4th- ranked Ukraine

Final 2 balls / 3 hoops:
In the last competition of these Championships the audience and gymnasts then have been in a better mood again. The choice of music by the groups, “Roxane” for Russia and “Bolero” for Bulgaria, suits the audience really well and those two teams have also thrilled the audience with their presentations in this final today. Both of them are very mature, beautiful groups with a technical advantage which enables them a sovereignty even in the most difficult parts of their routines.
Again the favourite of the audience has been the group from Italy with the probably most amazing and original routine of these Championships.
Ukraine follows on rank 4 in front of Belarus who as the all-around bronze-medalist hasn’t come up to the expectations today.

Men's RG - currently only presented in shows...

PREMIERE: WCh - G A L A

For the first time the FIG has organised a gala at the end of the competitions. This is an opportunity to mix local show acts with the RG stars:

- Japanese RG men which had already thrilled the audience at the World-Gymnaestrada in Lissbon in summer
- The Ukrainian gymnasts once in a totally different style, dancing in long white dresses and with long hair
- Mini-tramp gymnasts of a Hungarian university
- Alina Kabaeva and Irina Tchachina in a “Pax de troix” with a dancer
- Former Hungarian gymnast Andrea Frater
- All 10 Chinese WCh’s participants with a traditional Chinese dance
- The group from Belarus dressed in white with an extraordinary ribbon

- The three Ukrainian beauties Anna Bessonova, Tamara Yerofeeva and Natalia Godunko with a great “Roxane” interpretation
- The Hungarian national team with a modern dance
- Childrens groups and in the end in the dark venue gymnastics with pocket lamps from 72 Budapest gymnasts.

A great premiere – and a worthy final for these very well organised and presented WCh’s.

Cheering fans

Conclusion of the 26th RG World Championships in Budapest:
On the one hand and on the other hand...

The most important topic at the 26th World Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics in Budapest was the Olympic qualification for individual gymnasts and groups. The Championships took place in one of the most modern European sports venues and were very well organised. The ambience was WCh’s-like and on the last two days also the atmosphere in the venue has been as you expect it to be at such a large event.

>> >>... read more

Livia Medilanski

German Gymnastics Federation head coach Livia Medilanski:
„International coach on the World Level“

The head coad of the German Gymnastics Federation Livia Medilanski has been honoured as “International Coach on the World Level” by FIG president Bruno Grandi, FIG general secretary Norbert Bueche and RG TC president Egle Abruzzini. She receives this award to honour her 40-years long work as coach. ”I am very happy about this award”, said Livia Medilanski who as a coach took part in 18 World Championships and 18 European Championships as well as in all 5 Olympic Games.

Short notes from the WCh’s

Different mode
The different schedule according to which the apparatus finals take place on the first 2 competition days certainly has been more suitable for the TV-transmissions but on the other hand it takes away from the finals the exclusiveness and atmosphere which they previously had on the last competition day.

Participation of the media
In general the interest of the media in these WCh’s has been quite high. Several TV-stations, like e.g. from Spain and Russia, broadcasted live from the event. Altogether 130 journalists and 70 photographers were accredited.

♦♦♦