When it comes to gymnastics, just about everyone has seen a performance or two on television. But not everyone knows about rhythmic gymnastics. With this, competitors use the floor to do a routine using various props. These include ribbons, clubs, balls, ropes, and hoops.
One thing that makes this particular type of gymnastics so fun to watch is that it’s a combination of several styles. Not only is this about standard moves and dance, but also calisthenics. That means for someone to get involved in competitions, they must be incredibly strong, coordinated, flexible, and skilled.
The beginning
Rhythmic gymnastics has been around for a long time. It was first recognized as a legitimate sport back in 1963. Twenty-one years later, it became an official Olympic event. For the next 12 years, only individuals performed, which then changed to group participation. On an international level, only females compete.
Stealing the spotlight and viewers’ hearts
Once in a while, a young lady does something that people don’t even think is possible. That’s the case with Dina Averina. In 2019, she competed in the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships. With her gold hoop, she mesmerized the audience.
From Russia with love
Hailing from Russia, Averina has always been a fan favorite. In a video that’s now been viewed more than 7,000 times, you see her take the floor. She’s in a gorgeous costume against a bright pink background. With her poise, she’s beautiful. In all honesty, this gymnast looks more like a princess than a serious athlete.
Don’t be fooled
Walking with confidence, she takes her place on the floor, followed by setting down her gold hoop. Averina then raises her left arm, giving the judges the cue that’s she’s ready to start her performance. For her first move, she does a cartwheel through the hoop. But wait, things only get more exciting.
Wow…this girl has talent
That’s when she picks up her hoop and twirls several times. Averina then goes down to the floor in a split before rolling over onto her back. At that point, she catches the hoop with her foot. While she makes the routine look easy, it’s anything but. She has to nail every move — and she does.
Her routine becomes increasingly more difficult
This gymnast next tosses the hoop high in the air. After catching it in her hand, she arches her back while holding one leg in a beautiful position. She’s incredibly graceful yet so powerful. Throughout her entire performance, she hits every move with precision.
The crowd goes crazy
She does all kinds of tricks…standing splits, jumps, twirls, and handstands…all while maintaining control of the hoop. But toward the end of the video, Averina pulls off some hard-core contortionist moves. While the audience shows respect during the routine by remaining relatively quiet, they erupt in cheers the minute she finishes.
Performed to fast-paced piano music, this routine is exciting and invigorating. To see the video for yourself, check it out below.
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