Israel and Bulgaria golden as #Baku2023 kicks off in style

All eyes on Baku as its iconic National Gymnastics Arena welcomes Europe’s best rhythmic gymnasts. On the opening day, the junior groups took to the stage in their qualification rounds that also determined the all-around ranking. Then, the best 8 groups per apparatus had another moment in the spotlight as they fought for glory in the apparatus finals.

Spectacular performances by Israel clinched the gold medal in the all-around for Shelly Elguy, Elinor Gerts, Kseniya Kulyk, Yuval Schulman, Anat Shnaider and Meital Maayan Sumkin. They totalled an impressive score of 61.600. Fresh off their victory, the girls followed up with 2 silver medals in apparatus finals.

Powerhouse Bulgaria showed their worth in the all-around, grabbing the silver medal. With renewed energy and focus, they started their apparatus quest. Eva Emilova, Vanesa Emilova, Andrea Ivanova, Krasimira Ivanova, Gabriela Peeva and Tsveteyoana Peycheva truly excelled edging Israel for both victories.

Hosts Azerbaijan impressed in front of an ecstatic home crowd. First, the girls combined efforts to secure the bronze in the all-around. Then, they added bronze with 5 balls and placed 4^th place with 5 ropes. A job well done for Madina Aslanova, Ilaha Bahadirova, Govhar Ibrahimova, Sakinakhanim Ismayilzada, Zahra Jafarova and Ayan Sadigova!

Italy overcame the disappointment of an administrative error in qualifications -which forced them out of all-around contention- by displaying their very best in the 5 ropes final. Virginia Cuttini, Gaia Francesca D’Antona, Elisa Dobrovolska, Caterina Maltoni, Cristina Ventura and Bianca Vignozzi put on their biggest smile, focused on their skills and collaborations and ended up with the bronze medal for their efforts.

The future certainly shines brightly!

Congratulations to the medallists!

All-Around

GOLD Israel 61.600

SILVER Bulgaria 59.250

BRONZE Azerbaijan 58.450

5 Ropes

GOLD Bulgaria 30.500

SILVER Israel 30.400

BRONZE Italy 29.550

5 Balls

GOLD Bulgaria 32.100

SILVER Israel 31.900

BRONZE Azerbaijan 31.200

The full results are available on our website:  2023 European Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics | European Gymnastics

These Rhythmic Europeans continue tomorrow with the senior individuals qualifications with hoop and ball.