FIG World Challenge Cup 2017 – BSB Bank in Minsk

Graceful silhouettes, precise movements, maximum dedication, professionalism and teamwork, the joy of victory and the supportive audience... This is how the participants and guests will remember the FIG World Challenge Cup 2017 – BSB Bank which gathered 106 gymnasts from 21 countries in Minsk on 4-6 August.

The Minsk event did not only celebrate the sport of gymnastics. It was a serious test of strength and a dress rehearsal ahead of the main event of the season: the FIG World Championships due in Pesaro, Italy in late August or early September.

Team Belarus, which included the Rio 2016 finalist Yekaterina Galkina and European bronze medalist 2017 Alina Gornosko, demonstrated amazing results: 10 medals (2 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals). The team leader Yekaterina Galkina won gold in the Ball and bronze in the Hoop and thus gave a good start to the performance of the team. Alina Gornosko picked up two silvers in the Ball and in the Ribbon, and a bronze medal in the Clubs. The Belarusians were second to none in the 3 Balls/2 Ropes, and were second in the 5 Hoops.

The Minsk event was attended by President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Morinari Watanabe and FIG Secretary General Andre Gueisbuhler. They noted the high level of organization, a truly homely atmosphere and hospitality of Belarus. It also became known that Minsk can gain the right to host the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Cup in the near future.

Exclusive footage from workouts and final performances of the world’s best gymnasts and the award ceremony in our report...