Spanish Rhythmic Gymnastics Team Debuts New Routines, Eyes 2028 Olympics

ARGANDA DEL REY, Spain – The Spanish rhythmic ‌gymnastics team, a source of national pride‍ in recent Olympic cycles, unveiled its new routines⁢ before a home crowd at the Iberdrola League’s opening​ stage last weekend. The event, held in Arganda⁣ del Rey, ⁤near Madrid, showcased a blend ⁣of seasoned ‌veterans and promising newcomers as the ⁣team embarks on its journey toward the 2028 Los Angeles⁢ Olympics.

National coach‍ Alejandra Quereda​ expressed optimism about the team’s future.”We are⁤ combining experienced gymnasts with younger talent, manny of ‍whom are new to senior international competition,”‌ Quereda said. “There’s​ a ⁣lot of potential here to build a strong team.”

The Spanish team ‍is coming ⁤off a prosperous period, marked by numerous medals at World⁤ Cups and ‌direct‍ qualification for the Olympics following ⁤a bronze medal win at the Sofia, Bulgaria, World ⁢Championships. They also secured multiple bronze and silver medals at the European​ Championships and Valencia World Cup. However, their⁢ performance at the Paris 2024 Games led to the ‌departure‌ or retirement of some key ⁤gymnasts.

The current ‌team features four veterans – Salma Solaun,‍ Inés Bergua, Mireia Martínez, and Andrea Fernández – alongside ⁣six​ emerging talents. These include Marina Cortelles, who transitioned from individual to group routines; Andrea Corral,⁣ Alexandra Marcos, Celia Rodríguez, ​and Lucía Muñoz, all promoted from the‍ junior team; and Marta Luisa ‌Cordobilla, selected after recent trials.

“it’s a year of transition, so we​ will‍ use it to the fullest to gain experience.”

Alejandra Quereda, National Rhythmic Gymnastics⁣ Coach

The team is‌ employing a ​strategy of maintaining two separate squads, ⁤similar to⁣ other countries. This involves dividing the gymnasts into two groups of five, designated as Team A‌ and‍ Team ⁤B.Quereda and her coaching staff have ‍opted to mix gymnasts between⁤ the⁤ two teams depending⁤ on the routine – the five-ribbon exercise and the mixed routine (three hoops and two balls).

Team Composition by Routine

Exercise: 5 Ribbons

Exercise: Mixed (3 Hoops,⁤ 2 Balls)

This approach marks the ⁤beginning of the team’s⁤ strategy for 2025, a transitional year. The current routines will not be used at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The International ⁣Gymnastics Federation (FIG) typically selects⁢ different apparatuses for the first year of an‍ Olympic cycle compared to ​the final three years, with the latter being used at the⁣ Olympic Games. For Los Angeles, the selected apparatuses will​ be five balls⁣ and a mixed ⁢routine of ​three hoops and two pairs⁤ of⁣ clubs.

Quereda emphasized the ‍team’s commitment to ‍pushing boundaries. “we’re aiming for complex ⁢routines,” she said. “We need time ‌and work. The gymnasts need to compete, experience the routines, and gain confidence. This year is about maximizing⁤ our experience‌ to position ourselves as one of the best teams in ⁣the‍ world.”

‘The ⁣Phoenix’ Rises in Five-Ribbon Routine

The team’s five-ribbon routine, titled⁤ “The Phoenix,” symbolizes the⁢ Spanish team’s resilience and its aspirations for Los Angeles 2028.​ “It‍ represents ​the rebirth ‍of the team, the creation of a new⁢ team, returning with more determination⁤ than ever,” quereda explained.

The initial formation in the routine embodies the team’s message: “Strength and the ability to return to ⁤the ⁤top.” Some ‌observers have noted similarities between this concept and the angel featured in the ⁢Los Angeles Olympic bid logo.

While technical execution is ​still​ a work in progress, the routine showcases ambitious collaborations, a departure from ‌simpler compositions of the past. “We are ⁢pushing the ⁣collaborations to the limit,” Quereda said. “We ​can always scale back if needed. Right‍ now, it’s notable to work, give it time, and than‍ make adjustments based on our ‍progress.”

The artistic elements, including musicality and expression, are still developing due to the routine’s high difficulty. Though, Quereda reassured that this aspect ‍remains a priority. “As a country, ⁤it’s⁣ a defining⁣ element for‍ us,” ⁣she said. “We always strive for interesting, unexpected ideas and fluid connections. We dedicate a ‌lot of time to it.”

‘Spain in Brazil’: A Samba-Inspired Mixed routine

With the upcoming‌ World Championships in‌ Rio de Janeiro, many teams are incorporating samba music into⁣ their routines. The Spanish team has embraced this ‌trend with ​their mixed routine, titled ⁣”spain in Brazil.”

“We wanted to incorporate a‌ Brazilian touch, but not in a conventional ​way,”‌ quereda explained. “It’s a fusion of Spanish ‍culture with the ⁣batucada ​rhythms of Brazil. The main theme is ‘Tico Tico,’ a well-known⁣ samba, but ​played with Spanish instruments like the Spanish guitar.”

Mixed routines⁤ are known for their innovation and ‍visual appeal. The Spanish team has capitalized on this, creating a⁢ routine filled with intricate details that​ complement the music and create striking moments on the floor.

The choreography also emphasizes theatricality and expression,‌ showcasing the talents⁣ of Inés Bergua, Andrea Fernández, and Marina Cortelles. “The ‘Tico Tico’ song brings a sense ‍of humor and theatricality that we wanted​ to represent in​ the routine,” Quereda said. “The ending has a fun, theatrical​ touch to break away from the usual.” ‌The team’s next⁤ challenge is the Sofia World Cup, where⁢ they will continue to refine⁢ their routines and seek ⁣valuable feedback.