Aliya Yussupova registered the highest scores on all four apparatuses to win
the rhythmic gymnastics individual all-around gold medal on Sunday, one day
after she led Kazakhstan to the team title.
Yussupova scored 15.400, 16.500, 15.825 and 16.200 points in rope, ball,
clubs and ribbon respectively.
She cruised all the way to her second title with an outstandingperformance
with fluid movement, artistry and expression.
She mesmerized the crowd with her renowned flexibility, stretching her leg
over her shoulder and resting her foot under her chin as she twirled a club in
either hand.
"I prepared for so long. Work so hard, because of this I got the gold," said
Yussupova. "We have a team anthem which we say to keep remembering our goal.
'Not a step back, not a step in place, only ahead, and only together.' This is
our anthem."
"I improved over yesterday's mistakes for I don't like to make the same
mistake twice in the same arena."
Yukari Murata of Japan finished second with 59.125 points in total.
"I made some mistakes and I was more pleased with my performance yesterday
than today. But I did my best. I think I might have over-trained, which has made
me quite tired," said Murata.
"Today I wanted to go all the way. Although I made some mistakes, I just
wanted to try my best."
China's Xiao Yiming took the bronze with 58.525 points.
"I am satisfied with the result because I have tried my best," said
18-year-old Xiao. "It's impossible not to be nervous as a newcomer at Asiad.
It's a big venue and we only have one day to train in it. I'm not so used to
this venue."
"Yussuyova is really, really good. She belongs to the top class.She was
trained in Russia and has some blood ties to Russia. I think I should make the
effort to achieve her level."
Kazakhstan took away with both golds, while Japan pocketed two silvers and
China settled with two bronze in rhythmic gymnastics.