SINAGPORE, Aug. 25, 2010 – Polina Kozitskiy of Fountainville, Pa., finished seventh in the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around finals at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore on Wednesday.
Kozitskiy, who trains at Philadelphia Rhythmic Academy, finished sixth in ball (23.100), seventh in hoop (23.050), eighth in rope (22.900), and eighth in clubs (23.075).
Kozitskiy qualified for the finals by placing eighth in Tuesday’s preliminary round.
" I think I did much better than what I did yesterday," Kozitskiy said. "I had a few little mistakes, but nothing too big. So I think I did much better today."
Winning the event was Russia’s Alexandra Merkulova (103.500), followed by Belarus’ Arina Charopa (100.400) and Germany’s Jana Berezko-Marggrander (98.875).
At just 14, Kozitskiy had already competed in Cuba, France and Russia before coming to Singapore.
" It made a big difference knowing that they chose me to represent the USA in the Youth Olympics," Kozitskiy said. "It’s a pretty big deal. It also gives me a lot more confidence because you’re competing in a big arena with a lot of people. Performing in front of a big audience, it helps you when you’re more nervous at smaller competitions.Aca A
Kozitskiy is coached by Iliana Ivanova.
RESULTS
Gymnastics, Rhythmic Individual All-Around
1. Alexandra Merkulova, Russia, 103.500
2. Arina Charopa, Belarus, 100.400
3. Jana Berezko-Marggrander, Germany, 98.875
U.S. Finisher
7. Polina Kozitskiy, USA, Fountainville, Pa., 92.125