Russian Gymnasts Explore Cheerleading as a One-Time Challenge
Dina and Arina Averina, renowned Russian rhythmic gymnasts, stepped into a different arena during an event at the Palace of Rhythmic Gymnastics, named after the esteemed coach Irina Viner-Usmanova. The day offered them a glimpse into cheerleading, with both sisters taking on the role of flyers for a brief period.
Arina Averina later commented that after completing one element, she would not pursue further attempts at cheerleading.
“ heights have always scared me, yet I agreed when the opportunity arose. It was an intriguing experience. I didn’t look particularly confident, and I don’t plan to do this again. Dina was more composed, but I stayed fully focused and tried to hold on with at least a finger,” she explained.
In Tokyo, Dina Averina captured a silver medal in the individual all-around at the 2020 Olympic Games, ending a 20-year streak of Russian wins in that discipline. Arina finished in fourth place, leaving the podium without a medal in that event.
There was also a mention of Irina Viner courting attention by commenting on how Lala Kramarenko resembles Alina Kabaeva in a previous public remark.