Jewish gymnast Kyroy Bogatyleva wins gold – Australian Jewish News
Fresh from the Maccabiah Games, Jewish gymnast Alexandra Kiroi-Bogatyreva won gold, silver and bronze medals for Australia at the Commonwealth Games.
The rhythmic gymnast won her first career gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in the individual club final, following bronze in the individual all-around final and team silver.
The 20-year-old is now a five-time tournament medalist.
After a grueling three-day program, Kiroy Bogatyleva was in tears when the score was announced after narrowly beating Canada’s Carmel Kalemá to win the gold medal.
“Emotions just came out, and they’re still coming out. Every time I see this medal, I’ll probably cry,” she said.
“Today was tough mentally. I had to tell myself that I was here because I wanted to have fun…and I got the gold medal.”
Based primarily in Azerbaijan, Kiroi-Bogatyreva has spent most of her time away from home training and competing.
With the help of her parents, she now has her sights set on the World Championships in a month’s time.
“There are a lot of sacrifices to be made, eight to ten hours of training a day,” she said.
“Unfortunately, 99% of my World Cups, World Championships and my leotards are self-funded. A lot of sacrifices have to be made to get a medal like gold, but in the long run it will pay off. It is definitely worth it.”
Kiroi-Bogatyreva was perfectly prepared for the competition, winning five bronze medals for Australia at the Maccabiah Games in Israel.
Steve Solomon finished seventh in the 400m final. Photo: Instagram.
Meanwhile, Steve Solomon survived a tough year to qualify for the 400m final in Birmingham. Solomon, who had been unable to walk for 20 weeks with a severe hamstring injury, finished seventh and said he left Birmingham feeling “healthy and even more energetic”.
“I did everything in my power to overcome my serious injury,” he said.
“Every day, I devoted myself to myself, both mentally and physically. Professional sports are brutal and that’s why I love it.
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Jewish gymnast Kyroy Bogatyleva wins gold – Australian Jewish News
Source link Jewish gymnast Kyroy Bogatyleva wins gold – Australian Jewish News
