Maltese Rhythmic gymnasts competed in two international events as part of their development programme.
At the end of October, gymnasts from the Maltese Olympic Committee Youth squad were in action in Group A of the International Friendly Cup VI.
The competition was organised by Ritmica Gymnastics Malta and attracted the participation of 165 elite athletes from Malta, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Finland, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, the United Arab Emirates, and Ukraine.
All participating gymnasts demonstrated exceptional artistry, agility, and discipline in a true celebration of rhythmic excellence.
The competition was held on a new competition carpet that Horizon Projects provided.
In the Pre-Junior category, Emily Vella was second in clubs and placed third in Ball, Hoop, and the Overall categories.
Chezonelle Azzopardi placed first in the Hoop and Clubs, second in Ribbon and the Overall categories, and third in the Ball.
Alyona Draguyza put on a fine display as she topped the Hoop, Clubs, and Ribbon as well as the Overall standings.
In the Junior class, Lauren Agius put on a fine display as she topped the Hoop category and placed second in Clubs and Ribbon while also finishing as runner-up in the Overall standings.
In the same category, Mirelle Grima topped the Ball routine.
Therese Vassallo was fifth in Hoops in the seniors category.
The following week, the MOC Youth Elite squad headed to Spain to compete in the Golden Cup.
The Maltese gymnasts were up against gymnasts from Georgia, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain, Ukraine, Great Britain, France, Poland, USA, Bulgaria, Brazil, Kuwait, Slovakia, and Austria.
In Group B, Emily Vella placed first in Hoops and second in Clubs and the overall standings.
Chloe Cooper took a bronze medal in Hoops and then placed fourth in Clubs and in the overall standings.
In the Junior B category, Mireille Grima was third overall from 24 athletes, while also placing fourth in Ball and sixth in Hoops.
In the Pre-Junior A category, Chezonelle Azzopardi was fifth in Ball and sixth in Clubs.
Lauren Agius, competing in the Junior A against some top gymnasts such as Nita Jamagidze, a junior world medallist from Georgia, placed ninth in Ball, eighth in clubs and 12th overall.
In Group A, Nadine Zammit was fifth in Hoop, eighth in Floor, and seventh overall from 25 gymnasts.
In Group C, Mila Gauci topped the Hoop while Bea Muscat placed second in Floor.
Ellie Caruana Smith was third in Floor, while Eve Muscat was fourth in Floor.
Valentina Bonello was third in Ball while in the Junior B, Olesya Vasilko was ninth in Club and 11th in the Ball routine.
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