Anna Bessonova is the daughter of Dynamo Kiev football player Vladimir Bessonov and world champion group rhythmic gymnast Viktoria Bessonova. (Getty Images)(ATR) Fifty federations sent athletes to the 2007 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships, but it was Russia that stood tallest in the medal table by the end of the competition this weekend.
Russian athletes took seven of the eight gold medals in Patras. The results are similar to the 2005 records, when Russians won seven of the nine medal events.
Only one athlete delayed the Russian juggernaut. Ukraine's Anna Bessonova bested defending champion Olga Kapranova of Russia to take the all-around title on Friday.
"I’m used to sharing the podium with Russian co-gymnasts. I feel that I am among my friends," says Bessonova.
Bessonova also took the Longines Prize for Elegance, which comes with a cash award and a watch from the competition official sponsor.
In the other seven medal competitions – the four individual apparatus events and the three group events – Russians tookRussia's five-woman team tie up a place in Beijing. (Getty Images) the gold.
Twenty individuals from 14 countries qualified for the Olympics with their scores, with Ukraine and Belarus at the top with Russia. The International Gymnastics Federation executive also allotted spots to China, South Africa and Australia to ensure representation for the host country and each continent. The IOC, in consultation with FIG and the Association of National Olympic Committees, will name one more qualifier.
In team competitions, Russia, Italy, Belarus and the rest of the top ten finishers also earn a trip to Beijing. Brazil and Greece will also go as the FIG's designates.
The best tickets to the final competition cost $140, but some seats at the Tofalos Indoor Hall were available for as little as $35.
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