Moldova’s rhythmic gymnastics champion Veronica Stturmilova risks missing participation in the European Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics that will take place in Baku during May 17-21. The athlete wasn’t included in the national squad. In a news conference hosted by IPN, athletes and coaches called on the Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation of Moldova to review its decisions.

International referee Maria Nikolaeva, rhythmic gymnastics coach, said that Veronica Shturmilova in a series of competitions showed that she is the best gymnast in the country. “Regrettably, on April 21, we ascertained that, for particular reasons, she was not included by the Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation in the team that will represent the Republic of Moldova at the European Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics that will be held in Baku during May 17-21, 2023. So, about two weeks remained,” stated the coach.

“I want to note that the situation can be corrected by midnight today. Our Federation can make changes. Why do we insist on changes? Veronica is current champion of the republic. In the national competition at the end of last November, Veronica emerged victorious according to the total score in the four events. She also won two of four exercises in the final,” stated Maria Nikolaeva.

The champion said that she worked a lot and aims to reach the European Championships. “I spent by eight hours a day in the gym, without breaks, so as to be better and achieve good results, the best results at the World Championships and to ultimately demonstrate my place at the European Championships. We hope to be heard,” stated the gymnast.

Emeritus coach of the Republic of Moldova Maia Nikolaeva said that she has worked in the field for many years and it is evident to her that the situation is incorrect. “It is obvious that the girl should compete in the European Championships. She worked and trained hard. Shall the sports functionaries decide the fate of our pupils? This is not fair!” noted the coach.

According to her, the Federation argued that the national squad was formed based on the results achieved at the International Tournament in Sofia. “One of the girls in Sofia obtained 97 points, while the second girl – 99 points. But the total score at the World Championships that was held in approximately the same period was 105 points. So, they simply ignored the seven points. This is evident to nonprofessionals too,” stated Maia Nikolaeva.

The coach also said that she does not have any objections to the two gymnasts who will go to Baku, but cannot understand why the Federation does not also include Veronica Shturmilova in the national squad. At the competition, each of the athletes will show what they can.

Note: IPN News Agency gives the right of reply to persons who consider they were touched by the news items produced based on statements of the organizers of the given news conference, including by facilitating the organization of another news conference in similar conditions.