With the end of the Olympic Cycle, comes a new phase with a new code of points, but also new gymnasts ready to make their mark in the rhythmic world. Here are a few gymnasts that could impress in this cycle leading up to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.
Alona Tal Franco (ISR):
Photo by: Indrek Kask
The 15 year-old Israeli impressed in her junior years, especially with hoop and clubs (her primary apparatus), winning several medals with both including the Junior European and World Championships in Budapest last year. However, it was not only her results that impressed, but especially her difficulty given her tender age, as well as her expressiveness, which is one of the major changes in the new code of points. Relive her hoop routine from last year at the European Championships: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbe_3-Ym7tY
Amalia Lica (ROU):
Photo by: Anna Nedkova (BRGF)
She is Romania’s latest star and absolutely shone at last year’s European Championships winning several gold medals. While her routine’s are jam-packed with difficulty, she is super expressive and is right on with the music. Witness her golden ribbon routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXUuLmu0YSc
Anna Piergentili (ITA):
Photo by: Simone Ferraro
This Italian hope is the opposite of the previous two gymnasts, she oozes calmness and that just shows when she performs. She is trained by Claudia Mancinelli, the same coach as Sofia Rafaelli and trains alongside her. Her best apparatus is the ball and already has those touches from the Fabriano Group. Enjoy her classical ball routine from last year’s European Championships that got her the silver medal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAeomr6ezIg&t=1s
Dara Malinova (BUL):
Photo by: BRGF
Over the years, Bulgaria has always been known for producing strong gymnasts (including in their junior years). One of those latest gymnasts is Dara Malinova, who is about to have her senior international debut this weekend at Miss Valentine Grand Prix, in Tartu. Malinova had one of her breakthrough moments at last year’s European Championships in Budapest, where she won the silver medal with the ribbon. Rewatch her routine here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4_7TGMQRXE
These are just four gymnasts that could make a name for themselves in this new Olympic Cycle. Please feel free to comment who you think could emerge in the rhythmic world.