What sorcery is this when the queens of Rhythmic Gymnastics and Artistic Gymnastics both share a birthday? GOD IS TELLING US SOMETHING.
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| Source: layoutpikesalto |
Yana
Kudryavtseva distinguished herself
early in her career by becoming the youngest
rhythmic gymnast to win the World All-Around title at just 15 years of age. The
following year she swept the AA titles at the Russian Nationals, Euros, World
Cups, and World Championships. True strength of character comes not from what
you do when everything is going well, but how you react when it's all falling
apart. In 2013 Yana gained the title, "Angel with Iron Wings," after
she performed a flawless ribbon routine while her musical accompaniment
malfunctioned and stopped playing. To a silent track, and nothing but the
cheers of the audience to encourage her, she continued without missing a step
and went on to clinch the gold in the ribbon final. In 2015, just two weeks before
the World Championships, Yana suffered an ankle injury, preventing her from
finishing the World Cup circuit, and raising doubts about her ability to defend
her AA title at World's. But the iron winged angel held no such doubts about
herself. Holding her nerve, she relied on her trademark clean technique and light
execution to deliver her one more victory. And it did. Happy 18th
Birthday, beautiful Yanaka!
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| Source:musatgym |
The embodiment
of harmony, elegance, and athleticism, Aliya Mustafina's name is synonymous
with conquest, in this sport. The Russian, European, University, World, and
Olympic Champion has been hit with almost as many setbacks as she has
victories. But fans know that the secret to Aliya's success cannot be
calculated in d-scores and connection value. The epitome of who she is as a
competitor, as a person, is passion. In gymnastics, the window of opportunity
is small; you have your shooting stars that are brilliant today but gone
tomorrow and you have your constant stars. Though others in gymnastics may burn
more brightly for a moment, Aliya's steady presence is nurturing and inspiring. We
know that as long as she is here, the opportunity to win with beauty, with style,
and with grace, is achievable. Aliya, I congratulate you on passing another
year in greater peace than you have known for some time, and I hope that your
21st year sees you close out the quad with the dignity you deserve. Happy
Birthday, champion Aliya!
It's crazy to
realize I've seen both of these girls stand on a podium with tears in their
eyes. They make winning look so easy but only they know just how much sacrifice
and dedication it takes to be who they are. I can't fathom what gymnastics would
be without Aliya or Yana and I'm especially happy that another year has passed in success
and relative health. They've done so much but the best is still to come, I
believe. Cheers to the year ahead ahead, ladies!
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