4th Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships
Astana (KAZ), Oct 15-18, 2009

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, November 3, 2009: The Gymnastics Federation of Kazakhstan hosted the 4th Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships in the beautiful Sport Complex – National Tennis Court in Astana (KAZ) from October 15 – 18, 2009.

Eight federations affiliated to the Asian Gymnastics Union (AGU) participated in the event: Japan - Korea - Kazakhstan - Malaysia - Uzbekistan - Kyrgyzstan - Thailand and India.
Present on site, the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics TC President Maria Szyszkowska (POL) was pleased with the high technical level of these championships.

The host country’s Aliya Yussupova dominated the event by winning all five Individual Gold medals plus the Team Final. Four countries overall shared the medals as follows:

1- Kazakhstan: 6 Gold
2- Korea: 1 Silver and 2 Bronze
3- Usbekistan: 3 Bronze
4- Japan: 1 Bronze

Results

Team Final
Gold - Kazakhstan 267.10 pts
Silver - Korea 246.30 pts
Bronze - Uzbekistan 241.95 pts
Detailed results

All-around Final
Gold - Aliya Yussupova (KAZ) 110.90 pts
Silver - Anna Alyabyeva KAZ 108.25 pts
Bronze - Ji Shin Soo (KOR) 105.55 pts
Detailed results

Apparatus Finals

Rope
Gold - Aliya Yussupova (KAZ) 27.80 pts
Silver - Anna Alyabyeva (KAZ) 27.38 pts
Bronze - Ulyana Trofimova (UZB) 26.73 pts

Hoop
Gold - Aliya Yussupova (KAZ) 28.25 pts
Silver - Anna Alyabyeva (KAZ) 27.80 pts
Bronze - Ulyana Trofimova (UZB) 26.75 pts

Ball
Gold - Aliya Yussupova (KAZ) 28.20 pts
Silver - Anna Alyabyeva (KAZ) 27.63 pts
Bronze - Ji Shin Soo (KOR) 26.90 pts

Ribbon
Gold - Aliya Yussupova (KAZ) 28.05 pts
Silver - Anna Alyabyeva (KAZ) 27.75 pts
Bronze - Runa Yamaguchi (JPN) 27.10 pts
Detailed results

29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships
Mie (JPN), September 7 – 13, 2009

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, October 30, 2009: Fans of Rhythmic Gymnastics will be delighted to hear that the DVDs of the 29th World Championships, which took place in September in Mie (JPN), are now available at the FIG online shop!

For the price of only 40 CHF you will get a set of 2 DVDs featuring a total of 210 minutes of true rhythmic action. The material includes coverage of all Individual and Group Apparatus Finals, the All-around Finals as well as bonus material with Evgenia Kanaeva (RUS) and Anna Bessonova (UKR).

Don’t wait to get your own copy at the FIG Shop!

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, October 28, 2009: The Executive Committee has approved a selection of Rhythmic Gymnastics apparatus for the 2009 – 2012 and 2013 – 2016 Olympic Cycles. This decision includes both the senior and junior programmes.

Check here!

The information is crucial for coaches and choreographers whose job it is to create individual and group exercises for their gymnasts. The decision was made public by the discipline’s Technical Committee, convened at the FIG Head Office in Lausanne (SUI).

Also on the order of the day, the 2009 World Championships in Mie (JPN), the highlight of which was the 6 Gold medals carried off by Russian star gymnast and Olympic title holder Evgenia Kanaeva. All eyes have turned toward the 2010 season and the 8 featured World Cup stages, the first of which is slated for January in Montreal, Canada. The annual world championships are set for September 19 – 26 in Evgenia’s native Moscow (RUS).

Olympic Games London 2012

London (GBR), FIG Office, October 16, 2009: The logos and emblems for Olympic disciplines appearing in the 2012 London Games were made public by the London Organising Committee’s graphic artists yesterday. The figurative design allows for rapid identification of the three FIG specialty disciplines: Artistic, Rhythmic and Trampoline Gymnastics.

From this point forward, the logos will be associated with all things Olympic through to 2012.

It goes without saying that legal copyrights for the designs are stringently enforced; their use is strictly governed by intellectual property laws and provisions.

copyright LOCOG

29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships
Mie (JPN), September 7 – 13, 2009

Review Group Apparatus Finals

MIE (JPN), FIG Office, September 13, 2009: Rhythmic Groups having qualified yesterday for the two Apparatus Finals that conclude the 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships pleased the crowd with a brilliant show here in Mie. The Sun Arena was sold out yet again for the championship finale!

5 Hoops

The young Russian Group gave a show of mental stamina in this Final, coming back strong after a number of mistakes in their 5 Hoops routine during last night’s All-around competition. After starting second, their flawless exercise rendered 27.700 points and the lead. No other Group could measure up; and in the end the Group seized the Gold medal with indomitable force.

Newly crowned All-around World Champion Italy repeated last night’s stunning performance; with 27.275 they earned an identical score and took home the Silver medal.

Having outclassed everyone on Hoops in yesterday’s All-around competition, Belarus petered out today; but a 27.225 score was sufficient to win them the Bronze.

Bulgaria’s performance was a true crowd pleaser, but with 25.775 points they were unable to claim a place on the podium.

Gold: Russia – Total: 27.700
Silver: Italy – Total: 27.275
Bronze: Belarus – Total: 27.225
Detailed results

3 Ribbons / 2 Ropes

In a tight battle and after having claimed Gold in the All-around and Silver on 5 Hoops, Italy triumphed again on 3 Ribbons / 2 Ropes, adding another Gold to their impressive score card here in Mie. 26.650 points was decidedly inferior to their All-around result, but they maintained the lead on Belarus nonetheless.

Belarus claimed their third medal in Mie’s Group events tonight. With a Silver in the All-around and a Bronze on 5 Hoops under their belts, they finished second on 3 Ribbons / 2 Ropes, a slim 0.05 of a point behind Italy.

Confirming their All-around ranking with a score of 26.300 Russia came in third, carrying off the Bronze and their third medal in Mie.

Once again, Japan’s Group thrilled fans with an inspiring performance! They brought up yesterday’s score to 25.975 and finished in a comfortable 4th place.

Gold: Italy – Total: 26.650
Silver: Belarus – Total: 26.600
Bronze: Russia – Total: 26.300
Detailed results

Gala and Closing Ceremony

An exquisite gala wrapped up the 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, featuring Teams from host country Japan, Ukraine, Belarus and Italy. The stars of the Individual competitions, Russia’s Evgenia Kanaeva and Daria Kondakova, alongside winner of the 2009 Longines Prize for Elegance Anna Bessonova from Ukraine and Japan’s favourite Mai Hidaka made this a truly exceptional show, one appreciated by fans and TV spectators everywhere.

Following the gala and the official Closing Ceremony, the Japan Gymnastic Association returned the FIG flag to FIG President Prof. Bruno Grandi (ITA), who handed it over to the Russian Gymnastics Association, organisers of the 30th World Championships in September 2010 in Moscow (RUS).

Looking back over seven days of fantastic Rhythmic performances, Prof. Grandi expressed his respect and admiration to the gymnasts for their exceptional accomplishments. He thanked the Mie Prefecture, the Japanese Gymnastic Association and the Mie Organising Committee, acknowledging the terrific job they did in hosting this event. Finally, Prof. Grandi declared the 29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Mie (JPN) closed.

We look forward to seeing you next year in Moscow!

MIE (JPN), FIG Office, September 12, 2009: In a recent editorial, the President of the FIG Medical and Anti-doping Commission Dr Michel Léglise drew the attention of our readers to the dangers of hyperextension.

More recently and in a different context, Dr Léglise explored the pitfalls of doping, condemning the use of diuretics such as Furosemide; his two-fold message targeted coaches and athlete support personnel.

In Mie, delegations were invited to participate in a mini-symposium to explore how this issue affects the daily lives of gymnastic professionals.

Three speakers took the floor: Dr Michel Léglise, President of the Medical and Anti-doping Commission, spoke on “Doping and Furosemide”; Keith Russell, President of the Scientific Commission, addressed the issue of “Health Risks in Hyperextension”; and Hardy Fink, Director of Education and the Academies, focused on “Coach Education”.

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde!

Furosemide (its generic name) is a diuretic found under a variety of commercial brand names, depending on the country. It is prohibited both in and out of competition and is listed as a category 5 masking agent on the FIG-WADA List of Prohibited Substances. In and of themselves, diuretics are not considered doping substances, but they can mask other substances such as anabolic steroids, or make them difficult to detect. Unfortunately, diuretics are often used dishonestly, illogically, even dangerously in athletes looking to lose weight by eliminating water.

The only advice we can give gymnasts is to always ask a competent individual whether or not a substance is listed, and how harmful it is.

Did you say aesthetic?

As public opinion would have it, the contortionism seen in certain exercises is not as appealing as one might think; and survey says that it isn’t giving Rhythmic a good image. What’s worse is that elements of hyperextension are having a negative impact on gymnast health, particularly where normal joint movement, such as in the hips and spine, is compromised.

Proof in hand, health professionals are outraged by this dangerous tendency, and are calling for caution and prevention. More than just a medical quandary, coaches should consider it an ethical and moral dilemma that hinges on a basic respect for their athletes.

Gymnastics by definition has nothing to do with the sensation of show business, circus acts or the magic of fascinating choreography. You can’t compare apples and oranges.

Prevent, clarify, educate!

Montesquieu had a point when he declared that the people ought to be enlightened. The world of sports is not so different from the political realm: you need to know what you’re about. And it is in this mindset rather than one of dominating authority that the FIG intends to wield its educational programme to prevent, educate and safeguard gymnast health long-term.

As it develops, the human body requires constant care. There are stages that must be scrupulously respected. In a frenzy to advance too quickly into highly complex routines, and turning their backs on natural growth and development, athletes run the risk of sacrificing their health for a swiftly-earned medal.

And those athletes might someday find themselves wondering if when they flipped, they didn’t end up with the wrong side of the coin.

29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships
Mie (JPN), September 7 – 13, 2009

Review Group Competition II – All-around

MIE (JPN), FIG Office, September 12, 2009: The 24 Rhythmic Groups participating in the 29th World Championships in Mie (JPN) brought a whole different kind of energy to the sold out Sun Arena today. Some 3,000 spectators followed the competition that started this morning with the All-around Final on 5 Hoops and 3 Ribbons/2 Ropes, and were thrilled by breathtaking exercises and phenomenal floor work!

Here’s what they saw:

Italy’s hope for a medal in Groups has come true, and this time it’s the Gold! With considerable fan support the Group achieved a final score of 54.400, which placed them ahead of Belarus (54.200) and in the lead after the first heat. No other Group clinched the deal in heat 2, which kept the Silver medal winning Group from Beijing in first place till the end. With Silver in 2005 and 2007, this marks the third consecutive World medal for the country in the Group All-around competition and their first Gold. With a strong history in this event the Italian Group is also a medal aspirant for tomorrow’s Apparatus Finals.

After Bronze in both Baku (2005) and Patras (2007) the Group from Belarus stepped up to Mie’s podium tonight to claim a Silver. In a neck and neck battle with Italy, Belarus, edged out by 0.2, got the short end of the stick; the country adds today’s Bronze to a number of World and Olympic medals however, the most recent being an All-around Bronze from Baku 2005 and Patras 2007, as well as Bronze in Beijing. 10 years ago in Osaka the Japanese public looked on as a Belarusian Group again took its place in third.

Although Russia presented interesting and appealing routines, they stumbled behind their Italian and Byelorussian nemesis. A younger, post-2008 Olympic Games Group, they made a number of mistakes, including one hoop landing behind the advertising boards. Not to be deterred, they were swift to get back in the saddle for 51.350 points and third place on the podium.

Ranks four to six were contended by an impressive chasing pack when a mere 0.05 of a point tipped the scales! With 50.500 points Azerbaijan ultimately made the race, barely nosing ahead of Israel (50.475) and Spain (50.450).

Back after two years of absence, this Bulgarian Group (read more) finished seventh in tonight’s All-around competition and spectators can look forward to seeing them again in both Apparatus Finals.

The Japanese Group created a wholly unique atmosphere in the arena as fans roared out their enthusiasm, some actually moved to tears! Their exciting routines yielded a total 50.100 point score and placed them in a provisional 2nd. Action was delivered in spades as other Groups gained ground, pushing Japan down to 8th and one rank lower than in Patras and one rank lower than 2 years ago in Patras. Ranked 4th on 3 Ribbons/2 Ropes, the host country qualified for the Apparatus Final.

Ukraine, eighth in Patras as well as in Beijing, crossed the All-around finish line in 10th, just behind France, and qualified for the Final on Hoops.

Gold: Italy – Total: 54.400
Silver: Belarus – Total: 54.200
Bronze: Russia – Total: 51.350

4. Azerbaijan – Total: 50.500
5. Israel – Total: 50.475
6. Spain – Total: 50.450
7. Bulgaria – Total: 50.150
8. Japan – Total: 50.100
Detailed results

The eight best Groups from each apparatus combination of today’s competition qualified for tomorrow’s Apparatus Finals, which will ultimately conclude these 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships.

MIE (JPN), September 11, 2009 (Longines): Longines, official timekeeper and data handler at the 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships 2009, is pleased to announce that the Longines Prize for Elegance has been given to Anna Bessonova from the Ukraine. This award decorates the athlete having demonstrated the most remarkable elegance in the course of an international competition at world level. Prize winner Anna Bessonova was honoured with a trophy created by the Swiss artist Jean-Pierre Gerber, a Conquest watch from the Longines Sport Collection and a cheque for US$ 5,000. Furthermore, Longines was proud to present its new Ambassador of Elegance, Evgeniya Kanaeva, the Olympic all-around gold medalist. She impressed the judges with her outstanding performance and won the 2009 World Champion title in individual all-around today.

In gymnastics, the challenge of movement not only demands flawless execution, but also intangible grace, beauty and harmony known as “elegance”. At the 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, all participants in the individual all-around finals held on Friday September 11, 2009 were nominated for the Longines Prize for Elegance.

The athletes under consideration for the prize are evaluated according to a number of complementary criteria. In addition to technical considerations, each athlete’s performance is judged with respect to emotional appeal, beauty, charm, charisma as well as grace and harmony of movement. Clearly, each juror interprets these criteria individually, yet the result is often unanimous, as it was again on this occasion.

The jury of the Longines Prize for Elegance brought together Dr. Bruno Grandi, President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), Mrs. Eriko Hayashi (Hayashi Tokeiho), Minoru Amano, Brand Manager for Longines Japan and Juan-Carlos Capelli, Head of International Marketing, Longines. The jury’s individual assessments were combined to form a collective judgment reflecting a perceptive and balanced evaluation of the athletes’ performances.

Anna Bessonova

Anna Bessonova's elegance is bewitching. Her grace wins the favour of any public. Her technique speaks for itself. At the 2005 world championships in Baku, Anna lined her nest with a world title, for the first time in her prestigious career. In 2007, at the World Championships in Patras, Anna already won the Longines Prize for Elegance. In 2008, at the Beijing Olympic Games she won the Bronze medal. Anna Bessonova is definitely one of the brightest stars of Rhythmic Gymnastics today.
Anna Bessonova has a reputation for elegant and graceful performance, which led Longines’ Head of International Marketing, Juan-Carlos Capelli to comment: “With her fluidity and harmony, Anna is simply the definition of elegance.”

The Longines Prize for Elegance is presented in the form of a trophy created especially for Longines by the Swiss artist Jean-Pierre Gerber. In addition, Anna Bessonova received a cheque for US$ 5,000 and the official watch of the 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, a Conquest model of the Longines Sport Collection, representing the elegance that is Longines’ guiding principle.

Longines also took the opportunity to give a Conquest watch to its new Ambassador of Elegance, the 2008 Olympic gold medallist, Russian rhythmic gymnast, Evgeniya Kanaeva, who won the 2009 World Champion title in individual all-around today in Mie.

Based in St. Imier in Switzerland since 1832, the watchmaker Longines can look back on more than 175 years of non-stop craftsmanship, as well as a solid heritage as timekeeper for world championships in various sports and collaborator with different international sports federations. Known for the elegance of its timepieces, Longines is a member of the Swatch Group Ltd, the World’s leading manufacturer of horological products. With the winged hourglass as its emblem, the brand has outlets in over 130 countries.

29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships
Mie (JPN), September 7 – 13, 2009

Review Individual All-around Final

MIE (JPN), FIG Office, September 11, 2009: In a gripping competition the 24 All-around Finalists of the 29th World Championships wowed the crowd tonight in Mie with the best of Rhythmic Gymnastics! While performing their routines gymnasts demonstrated collective elegance, grace and dynamic charm along with astonishing virtuosic artistry. Spectators visibly enjoyed the show, and weren't afraid to show it!

After a spotless performance in the Apparatus Finals and a Gold medal with the Russian Team, Olympic Champion Evgenia Kanaeva (RUS) wrote history tonight, winning her 6th Gold at these championships; never before seen in Rhythmic Gymnastics! A total score of 113.850 not only crowned Kanaeva All-around Champion, it coined her the most successful rhythmic gymnast of all times. An outstanding achievement!

With 113.250 points, a mere 0.6 behind her compatriot Kanaeva, 18 year old Daria Kondakova secured the Silver for Russia. Kondakova repeated her performance of the last four days in this All-around competition and set the bar for future competitions!

Rhythmic clapping accompanied Anna Bessonova’s hair-raising Ribbon routine that brought down the house with a standing ovation! The audience’s darling and 2007 All-around World Champion improved all her scores from the Apparatus Finals save for Rope, where she earned a final score of 110.375 and the Bronze. Her overall presentation was honoured with the prestigious Longines Prize of Elegance.

Belarusian Melitina Staniouta worked her way through this competition fabulously, proving her mental strength and coming back strong on Ribbon after a failed routine last night. More exciting performances are sure to come from this exceptionally talented young gymnast, who made such an impressive debut in her first senior circuit season. With 109.050 points Staniouta ranked 4th today in her first World Championships.

Qualified in 24th position, Japan’s Mai Hidaka thrilled fans and impressed judges today in the Sun Arena. With the exception of her routine on Rope, she upped her scores from the preliminaries straight across the board. Tonight she is her country’s pride and joy with a phenomenal 15th ranking and an overall score of 100.075.

Results Individual All-around Final

Gold: KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – Total: 113.850
Silver: KONDAKOVA Daria (RUS) – Total: 113.250
Bronze: BESSONOVA Anna (UKR) – Total: 110.375

4. STANIOUTA Melitina (BLR) – Total: 109.050
5. MITEVA Silviya (BUL) – Total: 107.850
6. RISENSON Irina (ISR) – Total: 106.300
7. CHARKASHYNA Liubou (BLR) – Total: 106.200
8. GARAYEVA Aliya (AZE) – Total: 105.675
Detailed results

The All-around Final concluded the Individual competition of these 29th World Championships. The event continues tomorrow with the Group All-around, followed by the Apparatus Finals on 5 Hoops and 3 Ribbons / 2 Ropes for Groups on Sunday, September 13.

29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships
Mie (JPN), September 7 – 13, 2009

Review Individual Apparatus Finals, Ball and Ribbon

MIE (JPN), FIG Office, September 10, 2009: In a full to bursting Sun Arena, excited fans witnessed the thrilling Ball and Ribbon Apparatus Finals of the 29th World Championships. A sizzling atmosphere reigned as qualified gymnasts gave their best and gutsiest performances.

Unbeatable Evgenia Kanaeva (RUS) won her third World Gold medal in Mie tonight on Ball. With perfection and incredible grace Kanaeva (28.575) upped her result from the preliminaries, besting her competition by 1.250 points. Azerbaijan’s Aliya Garayeva repeated her qualifying score of 27.325 points, which was good enough to win her the Silver. 4th place on Rope and Hoop in 2007 was Garayeva’s best standing result for a world championship event, which made it all the merrier when she whisked away her first world medal ever. Anna Bessonova (UKR) tied with Garayeva in the preliminaries, but with a lower score in the Final (27.250) she was forced to settle for yet another Bronze.

Bessonova edged out by a narrow margin Russia’s second entry to the Ball Final, Daria Dmitrieva (27.225), who qualified in second. Byelorussians Staniouta and Charkashyna placed 5th and 6th respectively, and Risenson (ISR) came 7th just ahead of Miteva (BUL).

Results Individual Apparatus Final – Ball

Gold: KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – Total: 28.575
Silver: GARAYEVA Aliya (AZE) – Total: 27.325
Bronze: BESSONOVA Anna (UKR) – Total: 27.250
Detailed results

With a score of 28.000, Kanaeva added a Gold on Ribbon to her pristine medal collection. And a dramatic performance, flawlessly executed, brought Bessonova alarmingly close to Kanaeva’s score; 27.900 was enough for a Silver. Bulgarian Sylviya Miteva, with 25.750 in the Qualification round and seventh place, upgraded to 26.850 and placed third. The Bronze in Mie is Miteva’s first medal at a world championship, though she boasts a Bronze on Hoop from this year’s World Games.

Liubou Charkashyna (BLR) had barely qualified as the last entry to the Final, but she noticeably improved her score, finishing 4th. Kapranova, qualified as second, failed to hold her position and fell back into sixth behind Israel’s Risenson. Gurbanova (AZE) and Yussupova (KAZ) brought up the rear in seventh and eighth.

Results Individual Apparatus Final – Rope
Gold: KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – Total: 28.000
Silver: BESSONOVA Anna (UKR) – Total: 27.900
Bronze: MITEVA Silviya (BUL) - Total: 26.850
Detailed results

Today’s pictures have been added to our online photo gallery!

The 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Mie continue with tomorrow’s Individual All-around Final and Groups competitions this weekend.

Stay tuned at http://www.mie2009.sportcentric.com!

29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships
Mie (JPN), September 7 – 13, 2009

Review Individual Apparatus Finals, Rope and Hoop

MIE (JPN), FIG Office, September 8, 2009: A long day of marvellous rhythmic performances in the Sun Arena peaked with tonight’s Rope and Hoop Apparatus Finals for Individuals at these 29th World Championships. Fans were thrilled by the elegance and dynamic energy portrayed by these gymnasts as they fired up competitors in a crowded Sun Arena.

After leading the Qualification and proving her overall supremacy in Rhythmic Gymnastics, Olympic and World Games Champion Evgenia Kanaeva (RUS) prevailed in both events. Kanaeva was joined on the podium by her 18 year old compatriot Daria Kondakova in second place, also on Rope and Hoop. Kondakova took a Bronze on Rope at the World Cup in Minsk last month. Ukraine’s Anna Bessonova improved her score in the Rope preliminaries (27.000), winning a Bronze and relegating Melitina Staniouta (BLR), who initially ranked ahead of her in the qualifying round, to fourth place. Bessonova took a final 5th on Rope at the 2007 World Championships in Patras.

On Hoop, Byelorussia’s rising star Melitina Staniouta continued what had been a fantastic first season on the seniors’ circuit by taking off with the Bronze at 27.150 points. She ended up improving her qualifying score, which placed her in front of Bulgarian Silviya Miteva (27.025), in fourth. Aliya Garayeva (AZE), who seemed to be well within reach of a medal, finished on rank 5.

Results Individual Apparatus Final – Rope
Gold: KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – Total: 28.350
Silver: KONDAKOVA Daria (RUS) – Total: 27.825
Bronze: BESSONOVA Anna (UKR) – Total: 27.575
Detailed results

Results Individual Apparatus Final – Hoop
Gold: KANAEVA Evgenia (RUS) – Total: 28.325
Silver: KONDAKOVA Daria (RUS) – Total: 28.225
Bronze: STANIOUTA Melitina (BLR) – Total: 27.150
Detailed results

Today’s pictures have been added to our online photo gallery!

Read the quotes of medallists Evgenia Kanaeva and Anna Bessonova at today's press conference!

The 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Mie continue on Wednesday and Thursday with the Team competition and qualifying round for Individuals on Ball and Ribbon.

For complete event coverage including regular updates on news, results and photo galleries, go to http://www.mie2009.sportcentric.com/.

Judging at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships

MIE (JPN), FIG Office, September 8, 2009: In an effort to continually improve its judging system, the FIG announced the trial of a new judges evaluation programme. Throughout the 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships the FIG will be implementing a field trial utilizing four reference judges independent of the official artistic and execution panels.

Four judges, two for artistic content and two for execution, will evaluate the exercises of every gymnast and group performing in Mie and provide a reference score. The reference scores will be compared to those issued by the official panels. The reference panel is composed of long-time experienced brevet judges.
If the difference between the official and reference scores exceeds the tolerance allowed by article 3.2.3 of the Code of Points, official and reference scores are averaged. This is an experimental process that FIG is “beta-testing” in Mie and will in no way interfere with official judging.

The reference score will also be used for the new computerized judges evaluation to be conducted after each completion. 

'The FIG is always looking for ways to improve ourselves and ensure “fair-play' for the athletes.” Said Prof. Bruno Grandi (ITA), President of the International Gymnastics Federation, “I am confident that implementation of this new system will not only benefit our athletes but continue to help with judges’ education.”

A similar test will be conducted in October at the 41st Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in London (GBR), and in November at the 26th Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships in St Petersburg (RUS).

Judging in Rhythmic Gymnastics

MIE (JPN), FIG Office, September 7, 2009: Within an hour of arriving on-site for the 29th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, FIG President Prof. Bruno Grandi addressed the college of judges for this event. Summoned by the President himself, the panel was reminded of the importance of these championships and the need to cultivate and maintain a positive image of gymnastics in order to safeguard its credibility and appeal.

A former judge himself, President Grandi knows how difficult that can be and is familiar with the dangers of corruption. “You hold in your hands a magnificent sport. Don’t ruin it!” declared the President sternly. He went on to add that like any judged sport, Rhythmic is constantly being re-evaluated to asses its Olympic status.

In Mie (JPN), the FIG will be experimenting with 4 independent benchmark judges, whose scores will be compared with those given by the official panel. They will asses execution and artistic content, while difficulty judges have the option of tapping into IRCOS by FIG to verify their scores. The experiment was developed in keeping with recommendations issued by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which disapproves of Technical Committee members holding multiple judging positions and evaluating their own scores.

Awareness and integrity were the key issues brought out by President Grandi, who emphasised his unrelenting quest to support his judges in their gruelling task; it is his belief that the new generation of gymnasts aspires to bountiful choreography and accomplished body expression over the outdated lure of harmful excess, which today has become a rare reminder of the revolutionised past.

29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships
Mie (JPN), September 7 – 13, 2009

MIE (JPN), FIG Office, September 3, 2009: The majority of delegations with registered gymnasts for the Individual competitions of the 29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships arrived at Mie’s Sun Arena today and were welcomed heartedly by the Local Organising Committee.

Some thirty local kindergarteners gave a warm welcome to the arriving gymnasts as they cheered, waved and handed out the colourful, hand-painted fans they had made especially for the occasion. In the accreditation centre, LOC representatives and numerous volunteers received the delegations with applause, Japanese style, after which the delegations were taken to their hotels to settle in. A handful of delegations are expected to arrive tomorrow.

Tuesday marked the beginning of the FIG Rhythmic Technical Committee’s third meeting of the year, which will continue on until tomorrow in the Sun Arena. Also in store for Friday is an Orientation Meeting for all delegations and initial training for Individual gymnasts. Three venues in Mie, Obata and Toba have been set up for training sessions, with the Sun Arena itself reserved for Podium Training and competitions.

The Mie Organising Committee, led by Secretary General Haruhiro Kobayashi, is well prepared for the upcoming event and is doing everything possible to provide the best conditions for these gymnasts.

Catch a first glance of today’s activities in the Sun Arena in our photo gallery!

29th FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships
Mie (JPN), September 7 – 13, 2009

LAUSANNE (SUI), FIG Office, August 26, 2009: In less than two weeks the 29th FIG World Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics will commence! A total of 149 individual gymnasts and 26 groups from 50 different countries representing all continents are registered for this event, which is THE highlight of the international Rhythmic Gymnastics season! The organisers of the Japan Gymnastics Association and the LOC in Mie are proud to welcome gymnastic delegations to the Sun Arena, previously the venue of the 2006 World Cup Final.

A few key players in the Individual competition:

AUT
Caroline WEBER (2009 World Games finalist on Rope, Hoop and Ball)
AZE
Aliya GARAYEVA (Bronze on Ribbon at 2009 World Games, 5th All-around 2008 WCh; Bronze on Rope at 2008 World Cup Final)
Anna GURBANOVA (2009 World Games finalist on Rope, Ball and Ribbon)
BLR
Liubov CHARKASHYNA (2009 World Games finalist on Hoop and Ribbon)
Melitina STANIOUTA (Bronze on Ball at 2009 World Games, multiple Silver and Bronze medals at 2009 World Cup Series)
BUL
Silviya MITEVA (Bronze on Hoop at 2009 World Games)
ESP
Carolina RODRIGUEZ (Bronze on Ball at 2009 World Cup in Corbeil-Essonnes)
ISR
Irina RISENSON (9th All-around at 2008 Olympic Games)
Neta RIVKIN (2008 Olympian)
KAZ
Aliya YUSSUPOVA (5th All-around at 2008 Olympic Games)
POL
Joanna MITROSZ (2008 Olympian)
RUS
Evgenia KANAEVA (2008 Olympic All-around and 2009 World Games Champion)
Olga KAPRANOVA (2007 World Champion on Hoop and Clubs)
UKR
Anna BESSONOVA (2007 All-around World Champion)
Alina MAKSIMENKO (2009 World Games finalist on all apparatus)

In the Group competition, a traditionally strong Russia (2008 Olympic All-around Champion, 2007 All-around World Champion), Belarus (3rd in Beijing and Patras) and Italy (2005 All-around World Champion and 2007 WCh All-around runner-up) will face tough competition from Bulgaria, Hungary, Ukraine (3rd at the 2008 World Cup Final), Azerbaijan, France, China, Japan, Poland and Germany, all currently among the top 10 of the FIG World Ranking Lists.

Bulgaria, with a group of gymnasts who had retired after the 2004 Olympic Games but who are making a comeback this year, collected Bronze at the 2007 World Championships in Patras (3 Hoops/2 Clubs) and created a sensation when they won the Gold in Ropes and Ribbons at the World Cup event in Budapest (HUN) this March. Throughout the season this Group walked a medal-laden pathway that has ultimately led them to Mie.

China won Silver at the All-around Group Final at last year’s Beijing Olympics and added a World Cup Silver to their collection early this year in Budapest (HUN) on 3 Ropes and 2 Ribbons.

With a World Cup Silver from Portimao (POR) (3x + 2x) this year, the Spanish (2008 World Cup Final runners-up) are looking good; and the host country delivered in spades at the same event, winning the Gold!

This impressive line-up promises exciting competitions in Mie’s Sun Arena, and we’re excited about it!

From tonight on registered federations are given a 48 hour time slot to update and complete their information.

Click here to check the provisional nominative entry list (updated on September 3!

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has developed a microsite for these World Championships where fans can find all information relevant to the event. Information will be updated regularly throughout the event with news, results and photo galleries. The website was launched today at http://www.mie2009.sportcentric.com/.