The international rhythmic gymnastics tournament “Baltic Hoop 2012” traditionally took place in Riga in mid-March for already the thirteenth time. This year, the tournament, attended by 102 gymnasts altogether, also marked the 65th anniversary of rhythmic gymnastics in Latvia. The competition was organised by the Latvian Gymnastics Federation in co-operation with the Education, Culture and Sports Department of the Riga City Council, financial support for the event was provided by SIA “Skonto Būve”.

Olympic Champion and multiple World and European Champion Yevgeniya Kanayeva of Russia convincingly won the individual all-around competition as well as three out of four apparatus routines, winning “Skonto Būve” cash prize of EUR 1000. Alexandra Merkulova from Russia placed second and Stanyuta Melitina from Belarus third, taking cash prizes of EUR 600 and EUR 400 respectively. Latvia’s best gymnast, Latvian Champion and Latvian Cup winner Yelizaveta Gamaleyevafinished in fifth place.

In group competition, Russian national team was victorious. The Russian team is coached by the world’s best rhythmic gymnastics coach, Irina Viner-Usmanova.

The traditional “Baltic Hoop” title of “Miss Elegance”, awarded by an artistic jury, went to Liubov Charkashyna from Belarus this year.

Participating in the competition were 102 gymnasts from 16 countries: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Israel, Bulgaria, Poland, Germany, Norway, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia and, for the first time in the “Baltic Hoop” history, Belgium and Armenia. More than 2500 spectators watched the tournament.

Latvia was represented by the country’s best gymnasts: Yelizaveta Gamaleyeva, Veronika Romanova and Anastasia Efimova.