The Portuguese gymnast Laura Sales reached, this Sunday, the 6th place in the final of Maças of the World Cup of Rhythmic Gymnastics, which was disputed in Portimão.
The young athlete also took Portugal to another final, that of Bola, where she was ranked 8th, with 13.450 points. In the final of Maça, Laura Sales, in front of the public at Portimão Arena thrilled with her performance, performed an excellent exercise, which allowed her to rise two places in terms of qualification, thus being ranked 6th with 14.700 points.
With only 17 years old and little international experience as a Senior, Laura Sales has made excellent progress under the observation of national coach Darina Vasileva and SFUAP (Sociedade Filarmónica União Artística Piedense) coach Sandra Nunes.
In the end, the gymnast said: “It was a very happy day. This day was the reward for a difficult journey and a lot of work that I have been developing. In Bola, I felt nervous and I wasn't able to show the exercise so well, but in Maças I went in more relaxed and confident and it went very well. I think it was one of the best exercises I've done”.
“The public, family, colleagues and coaches were tireless, supported me immensely and gave me strength throughout the competition”, added young Laura.
The Portuguese athlete's next step “is the European Championship, taking place next week, in Hungary, where the objective is to carry out a clean race”.
The European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship takes place between the next 19th and 21st of May, in Budapest, Hungary. Portugal will be represented by two gymnasts, as Laura Sales will join gymnast Tânia Domingues, who was the second Portuguese participant in the World Cup in Portimão.
Israel winner of 3 finals
With about a hundred participants, the Portuguese stage of the GR World Cup circuit had the participation of the top countries in Rhythmic Gymnastics in the world – Russia, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy and Israel.
In the individual finals, the highlight goes to the Israeli Victoria Filanovski, winner of the Gold medal in Ribbon, Ball and Bow.
In the confrontation with the Russians Iulia Bravikova, silver medal in the Individual final of Maces and Bow, and Elizaveta Lugovskikh gold medal in the individual final of Apples, earned the Israeli the greatest experience in international competitions.
In the final of Conjuntos, the big winner was Italy, much applauded by the audience present at Portimão Arena. The Italian team won the gold medal in the finals of Bow and 3 Balls and 2 Strings, having beaten in both finals the powerful Russian team, winner of 5 gold medals in the Olympic Games.
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