Vitebsk resident Yulia Shishkova won silver at the open republican tournament in artistic gymnastics in memory of Tamara Lazakovich

The 18th open republican tournament in artistic gymnastics in memory of Olympic champion Tamara Lazakovich was held in Vitebsk. As usual, the geography of participants far exceeded the borders of our country. In addition to Belarusians, athletes from Latvia, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Ukraine came to showcase their skills.

Unfortunately, due to health reasons, Vikentiy Dmitriev, the founder of the Vitebsk gymnastics school, could not attend this year. However, a large banner with his portrait reminded the participants and spectators of the competition about who brought the future prima of world gymnastics into big sport. Dmitry Khrushch, director of Vitebsk Children's and Youth Sports School No. 1, where the tournament was held, did not hide his satisfaction with its organization. This year, all registered participants arrived, unlike last year, for example, when local gymnasts were invited due to the absence of some guests.

Alas, the dominance was mainly by representatives of friendly countries. Thus, the winner in the all-around was Alexandra Putilya from Kyiv, Veronika Orlova from Uzbekistan took the 2nd place, and the third place was shared by Anastasia Vlasyuk and Alexandra Veselyuk from Ukraine. The honor of our country had to be defended by the fragile Vitebsk resident Yulia Shishkova, who won the only medal for Belarus – a "silver" in the vault. Although the prize-winner's coach, Dmitry Kukhtov, was not entirely satisfied with the result. And no wonder! After all, in the preliminary competitions, she was first in the balance beam and vault exercises. They also expected victory in the floor exercises. Nevertheless, the 15-year-old Vitebsk schoolgirl has everything ahead of her, and with due effort, the whole world will soon know the name of a new star of Belarusian gymnastics.

Ales Byньkov, "Vitebskiye Vesti"