Rhythmic Gymnastics continues to be one of the weakest of all Olympic sports for the USA.
PATRAS, Greece — Only those who managed to keep their heads survived this incredibly tensed, last day of the individual contest in Patras. It has ended with the long-awaited coronation of the Ukrainian Anna Bessonova as the the 2007 all-around champion.
What seemed to be disastrous Championships for Ukraine last Sunday, finished as a fully deserved triumph Bessonova fought for this title as a real Gladiator — the music for her Clubs routine — and in the end, was received the standing ovations with tears in her eyes.
The Silver went to Vera Sessina or Russia, and 2005 champion Olga Kapranova won bronze.
The list of the top 20 gymnasts who won the Olympic visas for Beijing is also, finally clear. The nations which will be represented by two gymnasts in 2008 are: Russia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Israel, Azerbaijan and Ukraine while Canada, Spain, Greece, Korea, Uzbekistan, Austria, Estonia and Poland will be represented by one gymnast in the individual event.
Three more places will be designated by the FIG and one by the IOC.
The group all-around will be decided on Saturday and group finals on Sunday.
UPDATE: FIG allocated three wild cards to Xiao Yiming of China, Odette Richard of South Africa and Naazmi Johnston of Australia. A fourth wild card will be announced by the IOC.
Gold medallist Anna Bessonova from Ukraine, center, stands on the podium with silver medallist Vera Sessina from Russia, left, and bronze medallist Olga Kapranova after the individual final at the 28th Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships…, Friday, Sept. 21, 2007. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
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