Divine Grace competition ‘will help us to become closer to the unique nature of rhythmic gymnastics’

In a competition which organiser Alina Kabaeva anticipates will become an annual event, 13 rhythmic gymnasts from 13 countries gathered at the VTB Arena in Moscow on 16–17 December for the first Divine Grace Experimental International Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament.

The inaugural Divine Grace was no ordinary rhythmic gymnastics competition. The brainchild of Athens 2004 Olympic All-Around champion Kabaeva, the event was run under the auspices of her Alina Kabaeva Charity Foundation and brought together gymnasts from as far afield as Australia, Mexico and Canada to provide two days of exceptional performances.

In many sports, rhythmic gymnastics included, a new Olympic cycle brings an opportunity to evaluate the rules of competition and to make changes. For the 2022–2024 cycle, the rhythmic gymnastics Code of Points will place more value on the aesthetics and artistry of gymnasts. New rules will take inspiration from those of 2001–2005, when Kabaeva was an active gymnast.

While current rules place strict limits on gymnasts’ performances – the number of elements is restricted, and additional complexity discouraged – at Divine Grace, the number of performance elements was unlimited, with athletes able to show the full extent of their skills and capabilities. The gymnasts taking part in Moscow were judged according to mixed rules made from those used in 2001–2005 and the new ones - 2022–2024 Code of Points.

The competition, while aiming to amaze and delight in equal measure, created a platform for discussion. Athletes, coaches and judges could share their experiences and thoughts on the future of the sport.

Day One began with a visually stunning opening ceremony and a reminder to guests and viewers from tournament host Andrei