Mölder: Ukrainian women arrive here by bus for 30 hours, I'm rooting for them
The international rhythmic gymnastics competition Miss Valentine in Tartu attracts notable participants, including Ukrainian athletes who face significant challenges due to ongoing conflict in their homeland.
The Miss Valentine international rhythmic gymnastics competition is taking place in Tartu, Estonia, which is notable for attracting elite gymnasts and medal winners from previous championships. Notably, this event is part of a limited series of GP stages, with Tartu being one of the few locations where prize money is awarded. The competition showcases a podium training session open to the public, emphasizing the significance of this event in the rhythmic gymnastics calendar.
One of the highlighted athletes is Taisiia Onofriitšuk from Ukraine, who has achieved remarkable success in the past year, including winning gold at the GP in Tallinn. The competition's organizer, Janika Mölder, acknowledged the severe hardships faced by Ukrainian gymnasts who are training under the shadow of war. She noted that these athletes often have to travel extensive distances to participate in competitions, with Onofriitšuk and her teammates coming directly from months of training in Japan to compete in Tartu.
The dedication displayed by these Ukrainian athletes, who endure long travel times and challenging circumstances, serves as an inspiring testament to their commitment to the sport. Janika Mölder expressed her strong support for them, reflecting the sense of solidarity within the sporting community as they gather to celebrate athletic achievements amidst adversity. The event not only highlights the talent of these gymnasts but also raises awareness of the difficult situations they navigate in their pursuit of excellence.