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COMPARED to the polar emotions provoked during the artistic gymnastics competition, the rhythmic event at the Galatsi Olympic Hall, Aug. 26-29, seemed harmony itself. Fair judging in the opening day with a few deviations in the next days; no harsh controversies to inspire the media and no surprises with the medal distribution. All in all, a fluent, brilliantly organized event, supported by an ever enthusiastic 6,000 capacity audience, from podium training through to the end.
After losing the hoop-and the gold-four years ago in Sydney, Russian Alina Kabayeva didn't miss her second chance to win the individual title here. As expected, next to her on the rostrum were her teammate lrina Chaschina (silver) and Ukrainian Anna Bessonova (bronze).
The qualifications, involving 24 Individuals and 10 Groups, demonstrated clearly that both titles would be a two-way matter: between Kabayeva and Chaschina in the Individual contest and between Russia and Italy in the Groups.
Kabayeva, 21, who dropped three of her four apparatus in the qualifications, still won the title because she was able to resist the pressure and show courage when it mattered most, in the final, and with her last two pieces, clubs and ribbon. The flexible Russian credited her support group for the win. "I would like to thank everyone who worked with me to prepare for the Olympics," she said. "My coach, Irina Viner, as well as my ballet teacher and my massage therapist. Without them I wouldn't have been ready."
Chaschina, 22, known for her technical perfection, was in the lead twice, at the beginning of the qualifications and then in the final. However, she failed to deliver...