The festivities began with Olympic gold medallist Alina Kabaeva taking part in the opening rehearsal of the Alina 2024 festival, as announced on the official site Heavenly Grace. Her presence underscored the event’s blend of sport and celebration while spotlighting the festival’s international reach and community feel.
During the event, Kabaeva toured the halls where aspiring gymnasts demonstrated their latest feats and paused to capture memories with many of the young athletes. Her engagement emphasized a message she often shares about sport as a joyful, shared experience that transcends generations.
“I’ve always believed that the show belongs to the children, and the kids deserve to feel that magic firsthand. Yet this year the festival also connects with a broader audience because it coincides with the International Youth Festival. We even organized a festival within the festival to expand the celebration,” Kabaeva remarked. She added that she is delighted to see so many people gather for a grand celebration and that rhythmic gymnastics continues to grow not only in our country but around the world, inspiring young athletes everywhere.
Alina Kabaeva began her gymnastics journey at age 11, training under the guidance of Irina Viner. Her ascent quickly gathered momentum: by 15 she had captured the European Championship title in 1998 and went on to win the European crown four additional times. In 1999 she claimed the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships title, and 2004 brought Olympic gold in Athens. Her career continued to be marked by success until she eventually stepped away from competition in the late 2000s, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Throughout her rise, Kabaeva’s path has often been the subject of comparisons within the gymnastics world, reflecting the high regard in which her achievements are held. Analysts and fans alike have noted how her versatility and artistry helped elevate rhythmic gymnastics on the world stage.