Gold and Silver for Bulgaria in Tbilisi: What Lies Behind the Brilliant Results?

22.02.2026 | Bulgarians worldwide

Rhythmic Gymnastics: Bulgarian success at the International Gymnastics Marathon tournament in Tbilisi. Siyana Alekova wins gold, Alexandra Petrova silver. Antoaneta Tsankova finishes 4th. Finals are expected.

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Rhythmic gymnastics once again shone in Bulgarian eyes, this time from Georgia. At the International Gymnastics Marathon, held in Tbilisi, the Bulgarians showed enviable skills and deserved medals. But what lies behind the triumph of Siyana Alekova and the silver shine of Alexandra Petrova? Is this just another successful competition or is there something more?

Siyana – golden girl

Siyana Alekova, led by Bozhidara Racheva, performed brilliantly, confirming her reputation as an exceptional talent. With a total of 101.500 points, she won the gold, leaving everyone breathless. The second competition day was key, demonstrating her concentration and resilience – 26.300 points on clubs and 26.600 on ribbon. But is this a surprise? Judging by the first places in the qualifications on these apparatus, probably not.

Interestingly, these high results come after intensive preparation, and perhaps changes in the training process. Ultimately, only constant efforts and discipline lead to success. Because behind every perfect composition stand countless hours of work and sacrifices.

Alexandra – stellar debut

Alexandra Petrova, debuting on the international stage, did not give way to her experienced colleagues. Under the guidance of Kristina Ilieva, she grabbed the silver with a total score of 99.500 points. How do you feel when you achieve such success from the first time? Quite exciting, isn't it? Her combinations on hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon showed her confidence and potential. 25.950, 24.100, 25.950 and 23.500 – these numbers reflect not only skills, but also fighting spirit.

Is silver enough for her? Does she have ambition for more? Because such debuts are the basis for great achievements in the future.

Another Bulgarian in the battle

Antoaneta Tsankova, who led after the first day, unfortunately, finished fourth. Her result of 98.700 points is indicative of the high competition. What happened in the combinations on clubs and ribbon? Mistakes are part of the sport. Nevertheless, she qualified for the finals on hoop and ball. But will she be able to show the best of herself?

Judges' view

Behind the successes of the Bulgarians lies not only hard work, but also professionalism. Tsveta Kuzmova, who evaluated the artistry of the contestants, showed that Bulgaria has a strong presence off the field as well. Her work is key because artistry and expressiveness are an integral part of rhythmic gymnastics.

What's next?

Everyone is waiting for the finals on the individual apparatus, which are today after 5:15 pm Bulgarian time. Will we see more medals? Will we see new surprises? Because sport is always full of unexpected moments.

Is it possible that these results will affect the funding of the sport? Will this success encourage more young girls to train rhythmic gymnastics? Because, ultimately, the future is in the hands of the young.