Inna Zhukova

My Hero. Ms. Pavlovskaya Olga,11 grade, gymnasium N4,Smorgon,Belarus.

There is a hero in everyone‘s life. For me this hero is Inna Zhukova: her love to what she‘s fond of, her hard-working, her purposefulness.

Inna Zhukova is a scholar of the Krasnodar modern rhythmic gymnastics school, who moved to Belarus. She participated in modern rhythmic gymnastics Grandpre by “BelSwissBank” in 2002. She scored 106,876 points there and took the first place. During her very first exercise (a hoop) Inna Zhukova confirmed her class, scored 26,062 points and took the third place. The ball exercise brought the third place to her as well. The next exercise – a big pin – marked Inna’s superiority once again: she came the first one.

The 18th Continental Championship on modern rhythmic gymnastics completed in 2002 in Spanish Granada. More than 95 sportsmen from 35 countries took their participation in it. Unfortunately, Belarusian “artists” won no medals. It was for the first time of the whole Belarusian team’s history. The main load lied down on 16-years-old Inna Zhukova and 18-years-old Svetlana Rudalova. Inna Zhukova did her best to do four exercises. I’d say she did it with honor of the team’s first member. And sure that was not easy. The Belarusian team’s most trained gymnast showed that she was steadfast fighter with strong nerves. Inna shaped a good mood in her team after getting 25,525 points for a big pin. In addition, the judges liked the Belarusian team’s level and saw the team as the third prizewinner. Still, Belarus took only fourth place and only due to sparkling Inna Zhukova’s performance (a ball - she scored 26,300 points). It was she who saved the team from taking the fifth place.

2003 modern rhythmic gymnastics World Championship in Budapest brought the bronze to Belarusian gymnast Inna Zhukova. She took the third place for ball exercises. Her result – 25,875 points. Inna Zhukova was the sixth one in hoop competition (24,050 points). 17-years-old Inna Zhukova – the main hope at World Championship – took the place of Belarusian modern rhythmic gymnastics prima Yulia Raskina.

Raskina’s exit wasn’t unexpectedness as well as the fact that 17-years-old girl took her place. It’s enough to take into consideration Inna’s young age so that not to judge her strictly and not to require instant victory. I believe everything is ahead for Inna. The specialists agree that Inna Zhukova can compete for a medal in the number of exercises – a ball, a ribbon, a hoop and a big pin. Inna was among three prizewinners of the last World Cup.

Grandpre tournament on modern rhythmic gymnastics took its place in Minsk that year. Inna Zhukova won in absolute championship. She won once again with a big pin exercises.

Inna took the ninth place after her first exercise in modern rhythmic gymnastics in 2004. Her performance was accepted by guests with great enthusiasm. It was accompanied by the famous Greek composer’s music. Belarusian gymnast included this music into her program a year and a half ago when started her basic prepare to the Olympics.

Inna Zhukova became prizewinner in two nominations of International Grandpre tournament on modern rhythmic gymnastics in Berlin. She was the second one in a hoop exercise and the third in a ball composition.