Atamanov, Israeli group and Bulgarian team victorious at #ECtlv2022

On the day of shabbat, the Israeli rhythmic national team members certainly did not rest. In a tropic Tel Aviv Expo, tension rose high as the senior all-around finals for individuals and groups unfolded.

Top qualifier Boryana Kaleyn started off with two great routines for a comfortable lead at the halfway stage. A dropped ball unfortunately diminished the Bulgarian’s lead and it was up to the last exercise to determine the final standings. Newcomer Daria Atamanov showed her nerves of steel as she withstood extreme pressure to nail her ball routine, the one that caused her grievance in qualifications. With 136.900, Atamanov set the bar high, with only Kaleyn capable of beating her. The Vice-European Champion fell short, thus prolonging her silver status for another year. Starlet Stiliana Nikolova made a huge impression here in Tel Aviv with her quirky choreographies and mesmerizing smile. A late balance mishap didn’t deter her from her goal, a podium place at her first senior Europeans. Italian rising star Sofia Raffaeli had a rough day, finishing in the unfortunate fourth position.

The senior groups had the audience on the edge of their seat till the very last routine as host nation Israel upset Olympic bronze medallists Italy for the European crown. Shani Bakanov, Adar Friedmann, Amit Hedvat, Romi Paritzki, Ofir Shaham and Diana Svertsov proudly stood on the podium as their national anthem sounded. Azerbaijan excelled with 5 hoops to secure the bronze.

The combined efforts of Stiliana Nikolova, Boryana Kaleyn and their group earned Bulgaria the team European honours, ahead of Italy and Israel.

 

Congratulations to all medallists!

 

All-around medallists

Individuals

GOLD Daria Atamanov (ISR) 136.900

SILVER Boryana Kaleyn (BUL) 135.500

BRONZE Stiliana Nikolova (BUL) 131.650

Groups

GOLD Israel 69.950

SILVER Italy 69.650

BRONZE Azerbaijan 65.400

Team medallists

GOLD Bulgaria

SILVER Italy

BRONZE Israel

The full results are available on our website: 2022 European Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics | European Gymnastics

These Rhythmic Europeans conclude tomorrow with the senior apparatus finals.