Rhythmic gymnastics on the 2024 Paris Olympics will quickly get underway and the person podium guarantees to be historic, as it can characteristic no Russian or Belarusian gymnasts, and there’s no clear favourite since Tokyo. Since 2021, 5 completely different gymnasts have received the 5 titles awarded on the European and world championships, so the medals might go plenty of other ways.
Germany’s Darja Varfolomeev is probably going the highest contender for gold. In 2023, she achieved a historic sweep on the world championships by profitable the all-around and all 4 occasion finals, changing into solely the second rhythmic gymnast to take action. Recognized for her flawless execution and dynamic efficiency type, a medal would mark solely the second particular person medal for Germany; Regina Weber received bronze in 1984 representing West Germany.
Bulgaria’s Stiliana Nikolova is a big competitor for Varfolomeev. The daughter of rhythmic gymnast Paulina, a two-time world champion, Nikolova educated along with her mom and sister earlier than shifting alone to Bulgaria at 13 to hitch the nationwide staff. She received the 2024 European all-around title, her first main worldwide victory. Although she’s been a medal contender for years along with her wonderful equipment expertise and fascinating performances, she has struggled with errors throughout crucial moments.
One other Bulgarian contender is Boryana Kaleyn, who completed fifth in Tokyo. Kaleyn exhibits great potential however has had issue persistently delivering clear routines in main occasions. Regardless of her 2023 European all-around title, she missed the rostrum in 2024. Bulgaria has not received a medal within the particular person occasion since Adriana Dunavska’s silver in 1988.
Italy’s Sofia Raffaeli, the 2022 world all-around champion, completed second behind Varfolomeev in 2023. She confronted a difficult begin to the Olympic season attributable to a training change. Famend for her expressive artistry and meticulous choreography, Raffaeli ought to safe a medal if she avoids main errors, marking Italy’s first particular person medal in rhythmic gymnastics.
The USA has one athlete competing, Evita Griskenas from Orland Park, Illinois, who will compete in her second Olympics. Griskenas, who positioned twelfth in Tokyo’s qualification spherical, goals to succeed in the ultimate in Paris.
Within the group competitors, Bulgaria and Israel are anticipated to compete carefully for gold in Paris.
Bulgaria made a big affect by dethroning the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) in Tokyo, stopping a sixth consecutive title for Russian athletes. The staff that competed in Paris is a brand new lineup since Tokyo, but it has demonstrated distinctive expertise, profitable the 2022 world all-around title of their debut. Regardless of some rising pains and challenges, notably with their hoops routine, Bulgaria showcased spectacular performances on the 2024 Europeans, securing the all-around title.
When Bulgaria has faltered, Israel has usually stepped up. On the 2023 Worlds, Israel received its first all-around medal and title. Nevertheless, Israel has but to win an Olympic medal within the group occasion. One in all its assistant coaches is Linoy Ashram, the 2020 Olympic champion. The Israeli staff is comparatively secure beneath stress and usually delivers sturdy routines with minimal errors. Like particular person gymnast Daria Atamanov, the squad trains on the Wingate Institute in Netanya and has continued coaching in Israel all through the latest Israel-Hamas struggle. The group confronted challenges on the 2024 Europeans, making small however uncommon errors and ending fifth within the all-around, although they secured medals in every occasion ultimate.
To rejoice 8 days out from the Paris Olympics, Lawrence Zarian continues “Chasing Gold” and joins Staff USA rhythmic gymnast Evita Griskenas to learn the way technical it truly is use to the ring, ball, golf equipment and ribbon on the Olympic degree!
