MOSCOW, May 8, Vlad Zhukov. Five-time world champion in Rhythmic gymnastics Arina Averina has long been in the shadow of her sister Dina, but now she has become the leader of the Russian national team, said Irina Viner, president of the All-Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics.
Arina Averina won the individual all-around at the stage of the Strongest Cup that ended on Monday, and also won three gold medals out of four possible in separate finals. Her sister Dina, an 18-time world champion, placed fourth in the all-around and did not compete in individual exercises.
«»Arina was always in the shadow of her sister. She understood that she was second. Once Arina came to the European Championship and won it, but that was the only time. Now, thank God, it happened that she performed great. And yesterday and today. Now she, as they say, has taken the lead. The real leader of the Russian team,» Viner told reporters.
She said that Dina Averina did not easily accept the unsuccessful performance in the all-around.
“The thing is that Dina had problems, she competed with them at the Olympic Games,” said the head of the federation. “Her doctor said that she was an alien. Now I can already say that she has such moments of a traumatic nature that are incompatible with the performance.But because she has an iron character, she performed brilliantly at the Olympics, then she performed brilliantly at the World Championships, confirmed her championship title, won all events except the tape.Everyone here performed great, including Dina, but now she takes care of herself and does the right thing. Both of them are now studying at MGIMO, very motivated girls, patriotic, they want to benefit their country now in a different field. «