The type of gymnastics I was doing is called "callisthenics" (in British English), or "artictic gymnastics" (in Russian).
It is very rare in the United States.
Competitions consist of 1.5-minutes routines with a ball, ribon, hoop, clubs, and rope.
I was doing gymnastics since I was 6.
In 1994 I earned the "Master of Sport" degree, which is one of the highest degrees in Russia.
Until 1995, I competed often, traveled a lot, and had six three-hour practices a week.
I "retired" from gymnastics at the age of 21.
year 1988
year 2000. my last competition.
Once I was named "Miss-Sport" in my home City of Saratov (I am dressed in the red ribbon).
After finishing my gymnastics career, I was coaching aerobics and dancing in a show-ballet.
In 2001, I completely finished my gymnastics-dancing pursuits, and came to the USA to work on my Doctoral degree. However, teaching gymnastics, choreography, and elements of dancing is still my second profession. And sometimes I still like to impress my friends with a big split like that:
