Alla Shishkina on comparisons between Kabaeva and the Averin siblings: a broader view of elite gymnastics and synchronized swimming
In a candid interview with Sports24, Alla Shishkina, a three-time Olympic champion in synchronized swimming, weighed in on the frequent comparisons drawn between the accomplishments of Alina Kabaeva, the renowned gymnast, and the Averin siblings from rhythmic gymnastics. Shishkina suggested that ranking such athletes against one another oversimplifies the diverse paths that separate sports demand, training, and career longevity. He pointed out that the journeys of these athletes were successful in their own right and deserve respect without forced matchmaking across disciplines.
Shishkina emphasized that each athlete has built a distinctive legacy shaped by the particular challenges and triumphs of their sport. He noted that Alina Kabaeva has an exceptionally high level of achievement, including Olympic glory, which naturally makes direct comparisons with rhythmic gymnasts less meaningful. The core of his message was not to diminish anyone’s success but to recognize the specialized nature of each sport and the different metrics by which greatness is measured. The Averin siblings, while highly accomplished within rhythmic gymnastics, inhabit a separate realm of achievement that does not easily align with the milestones of artistic gymnastics.
Meanwhile, Dina Averina made a significant mark by earning a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a performance that underscored the endurance and precision required in rhythmic gymnastics. Her result also coincided with a historical moment as it helped blunt a long-standing Russian winning streak in the individual all-around category. By contrast, Arina Averina did not win a medal in that Olympic cycle, finishing in a high but less celebrated position in the final standings. These outcomes highlight the unpredictable and fiercely competitive nature of Olympic sport, where even star athletes can experience varied outcomes across different Olympic cycles.
There is another layer to the conversation that cannot be overlooked. In March 2022, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) imposed a ban on Russians and Belarusians from participating in events under its governance due to the evolving situation in Ukraine. The restrictions were planned to be in effect until a specified renewal period, reflecting how geopolitical events can intersect with elite sport and alter the competitive landscape in ways that extend beyond the gym floor. As circumstances evolve, those policies were set to expire at the start of 2024, illustrating how international bodies adjust rules in response to broader global developments.
Looking ahead, the discussion around the Averina sisters and other top competitors includes questions about future eligibility, competition formats, and how sanctions or policy changes might influence their careers. The broader takeaway remains clear: greatness in any sport is a product of consistent training, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. The dialogue surrounding Kabaeva, the Averin siblings, and Dina Averina serves as a reminder that athletic excellence takes many forms and should be acknowledged within the context of each discipline and its unique demands.
In sum, the voices of veteran champions like Shishkina enrich the public understanding of how athletes from different arenas compare. While achievements across synchronized swimming and rhythmic gymnastics can be measured differently, each athlete’s perseverance and success resonate with fans, coaches, and aspiring competitors who look to their journeys for inspiration. The Olympic stage remains the ultimate proving ground where these narratives converge, even as the details of results, policies, and geopolitical factors continue to evolve over time. [citation]