ACOG - News - IBM

(2 Aug 1996; Day 14)

Spain, Bulgaria Continue Rivalry in Rythmic Gymnastics Group Competition

Few observers of rhythmic gymnastics were surprised Friday when the competition for the group medal came down to a very close contest between Spain and Bulgaria. Spain won the first-ever Olympic gold medal in group, scoring 38.933, while Bulgaria took the silver at 38.866.

"We have often been close to them," said Maria FERNANDEZ, coach of the Spanish team, "but never quite so close as this. We are very happy that we won. It is a source of pride because it was history, the first Olympic competition for group. This has been an opportunity to live a dream."

At the 1995 World Championships, Bulgaria placed first and Spain second. In the Olympic Games finals at the University of Georgia Coliseum, both teams earned perfect tens for composition in both the hoops event and ribbons and balls. Both teams earned 9.450 for execution on ribbons and balls. The only difference in the final scores, and thus the difference between gold and silver medals, was Spain's 9.483 in execution in its hoop routine. Bulgaria's score was 9.416.

"It felt like our work was finally rewarded," said Lorena GURENDEZ of Spain. "And that our dream was finally realized."

The Bulgarian team hoped to win a gold medal, but they were satisfied with the competition.

"We competed well, the coaches are happy and the audience liked us," said Ivelina TALEVA of Bulgaria. "That is important. We performed well. If the judges were right or wrong only the audience can tell."

"We are sad," said teammate Maria KOLEVA. "But we will accept our silver medal as we would a gold one."

The team from Spain takes home a medal after training closely together since 1994. The group competition requires extensive hours with every member of the team in the gym, working together to perfect the choreography and timing of the intricate athletic routines. That kind of effort paid off for Spain with scores of 10 for composition.

"You have to have a group that is very committed, and a group that works well together," said FERNANDEZ. "They have to accept suffering together and working together a lot for a goal."

And, in the wake of their success, how will they be received upon their return to Spain?

"When the basketball team goes back to my city, they are very well received," said Estela GIMINEZ of Spain. "We hope with our gold medals, we are treated the same way."

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Theresa Kelly Gegen.


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