Maksimenko Alina: grace and grace of Ukrainian sport

In the world rhythmic gymnastics athletes from outside of Russia are very difficult to get close to the high awards. Indisputable leadership in this sport for many years have been kept by the children of the legendary Irina Usmanova-Wiener. However, the high level of Russian athletes is due to the fact that they are not allowed to relax rivals from other countries who are struggling to catch up with leaders, are constantly contributing to the development of rhythmic gymnastics. The Ukrainian school stands out in this regard. Such names as Anna Bessonova, forever entered the hall of fame of world sports.

One of the most charismatic and bright Ukrainian "artists" is Alina Maksimenko. The gymnast from Zaporozhye stood out among her friends not only with high growth (176 cm) and beautiful almond-shaped eyes, unusual for Ukrainian women. She constantly created in the arena, inventing new elements, amazed spectators with her art.

Talented girl from Zaporozhye

Maksimenko Alina Alexandrovna was a little late with her arrival in artistic gymnastics. In this sport it is necessary to start quite early - no later than six years. However, the girl's parents did not have the opportunity to take her to classes. She attracted attention already in her early childhood, inspired and enthusiastically dancing to any music.

The turning point in her life was a visit together with the parents of the Zaporozhye transformer plant. Once in the local rhythmic gymnastics class, the girl was struck by the atmosphere, bright and spectacular costumes, beautiful music. So, at the age of seven Maksimenko still begins to play his favorite sport. The first coach of Alina was Natalia Sanina. She was engaged with the girl till 13th years.

The Junior way

The best coaches of the country, all conditions for training existed in Kiev. Further stay in Zaporozhye interfered with Alina's progress. To grow further, the promising gymnast moves to the capital, where she enters the famous school of Irina Deryugina. Alina did not distinguish any outstanding natural data since childhood. Flexibility and stretching, for example, she was of an average level, she achieves progress as a result of hard work and fanatical attitudes.

The first major competition for the athlete is the 2006 European Championships. The best result in some kinds is the sixth place in the final of the exercises with a rope.

Big sport

At the beginning of her career Maksimenko Alina combines performances in the group with personal competitions. For the 2008 Olympics, she goes exactly to participate in group exercises. The result was not too outstanding. Especially not impressed by the judges, the girls occupy only the eighth place.

After that, the gymnast, together with the coaches, decides to concentrate on the performances in the individual category. The first successes come to her at the 2009 European Championships. Being a member of the team competitions, together with the national team of Ukraine Maksimenko Alina wins a bronze medal. In the same year she first appears as a loner, representing her country at the World Championships.

The debut turned out not too successful. The athlete is only 16th. The failure only provoked the gymnast. She took up the matter with renewed vigor. At the world championship in Moscow Maksimenko Alina is already in the top five. In addition, with the exception of Alia Garayeva, she becomes the only athlete from the individual exercises that have passed to all finals, which did not represent Russia.

At the European Championships 2011 Maksimenko won for the first time a medal in the individual final. Bronze went to the gymnast for exercises with maces. She also receives bronze for team competitions. The athlete actively performs until 2013. In this period, successful starts in the Universiade, where she does not leave without awards, medals on the continental championship. Last gymnasts hold their speeches, speaking for the Italian club. In 2013, immensely grieving her fans, she leaves the big sport.

Short coaching career

After the departure of the legendary Anna Bessonova, Maksimenko also takes up the unofficial position of the team leader. In some actions, Alina is already acting as Irina Irina Deriugina's assistant , actively implementing her attitudes among her friends on the team. Having finished with his own performances, Maksimenko is included in the active coaching work. She prepares girls for the junior team, one of her pupils qualifies for the Youth Olympic Games.

For certain reasons, Alina's activity as a coach was short-lived. Given her love of her work, you can still expect her return to the role of mentor. Alina Maksimenko was and remains one of the brightest gymnasts of her generation. Together with sports awards, she was showered with various unofficial prizes for artistry, elegance. And although her sporting age was not long, she will remain forever in the hearts of the fans.