Russian rhythmic gymnasts competing under a neutral flag claimed four medals at the FIG World Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking a strong debut for the team.
Maria Borisova’s Golden Debut
Maria Borisova, an 18-year-old athlete coached by Irina Gusarova, captured gold in the individual all-around event. She outperformed reigning Olympic champion Darya Varfolomeeva, a Russian-born competitor representing Germany, and Uzbekistan’s Takhmina Ikromova. Borisova also earned silver in the hoop final behind Ikromova.
Group Achievements
The group of five gymnasts, coached by Anna Ustsova, secured silver in the five-balls routine and bronze in the three-hoops-and-two-pairs-of-clubs event.
The team’s haul includes one gold, two silvers, and one bronze from the finals held on Sunday during the second stage of the 2026 FIG World Cup series.
Academy and Competition Context
All seven competitors hail from the Sky Grace Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy in Sochi, established in 2022 by 2004 Olympic champion Alina Kabaeva. Kabaeva maintained direct communication with the athletes throughout the event. This marked their first appearance at a World Cup.
The gymnasts paicipated as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), a status extended by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to eligible Russian and Belarusian athletes staing January 2024.
