In the world of rhythmic gymnastics, it is very difficult for athletes from outside Russia to get close to high awards. Indisputable leadership in this sport has been held for many years by the pupils of the legendary Irina Usmanova-Wiener. However, the high level of Russian athletes is explained by the fact that competitors from other countries, who are struggling to catch up with the leaders, are constantly making their contribution to the development of rhythmic gymnastics. The Ukrainian school stands out in this regard. Names such as Anna Bessonova forever entered the hall of fame for world sports.
One of the most charismatic and vibrant Ukrainian "artists" is Alina Maksimenko. The gymnast from Zaporozhye stood out among her friends not only for her tall stature (176 cm) and beautiful almond-shaped eyes, unusual for a Ukrainian woman. She constantly worked in the arena, inventing new elements, amazed the audience with her art.
Talented girl from Zaporozhye
Maksimenko Alina Aleksandrovna was a little late with her arrival in rhythmic gymnastics. In this sport it is necessary to start quite early - no later than six years. However, the girl’s parents did not have the opportunity to take her to classes. She attracted attention already in early childhood, dancing with inspiration and enthusiasm to any music.
A turning point in her life was a visit with her parents to the Zaporizhzhya Transformer Plant. Having appeared at the classes of the local section in rhythmic gymnastics, the girl was struck by the atmosphere, bright and spectacular costumes, and beautiful music. So, at the age of seven, Maksimenko still begins to engage in his favorite sport. Alina's first coach was Natalya Sanina. She studied with a girl up to 13 years old.
Junior Way
The best trainers of the country, all conditions for training existed in Kiev. Further stay in Zaporozhye interfered with Alina’s progress. To grow further, a promising gymnast moves to the capital, where she enters the famous school of Irina Deryugina. Alina from childhood was not distinguished by any outstanding natural data. Flexibility and stretching, for example, she had an average level, she achieved progress as a result of hard work and a fanatical attitude to the matter.
The first major competition for an athlete is the 2006 European Championship. The best result in individual species is the sixth place in the final exercises with a skipping rope.
Big sport
At the beginning of her career, Maksimenko Alina combines performances in a group with personal competitions. She goes to the 2008 Olympics specifically to participate in group exercises. The result was not too outstanding. Not particularly impressed with the judges, the girls occupy only eighth place.
After this, the gymnast, together with the trainers, decides to concentrate specifically on the performances in the individual category. The first successes come to her at the 2009 European Championships. As a participant in team competitions, together with the national team of Ukraine Alina Maksimenko wins a bronze medal. In the same year, she first appeared as a loner, representing her country at the World Cup.
The debut was not very successful. The athlete takes only 16th place. Failure only enraged the gymnast. She took up the matter with renewed vigor. At the world championship in Moscow, Maksimenko Alina is already in the top five. In addition, with the exception of Alia Garayeva, she becomes the only athlete from the individual exercises that passed to all finals, which did not represent Russia.
At the European Championships 2011, Maksimenko won the medal in the individual final for the first time. The bronze went to the gymnast for the exercises with clubs. She also receives bronze for team competitions. The athlete actively performs until 2013. Successful starts at the Universiade are laid in this period, where she does not leave without awards, medals at the continental championship. The gymnast conducts her last performances, speaking for the Italian club. In 2013, immensely upsetting her fans, she leaves the big sport.
Short coaching career
After the departure of the legendary Anna Bessonova, Maksimenko also takes an unofficial position as the team leader. In some actions, Alina also acts as an assistant to Irina Deryugina, actively implementing her installations among her teammates. Having finished with his own speeches, Maksimenko is involved in active coaching. She prepares girls for the junior team, one of her pupils qualifies for the Youth Olympic Games.
For certain reasons, Alina’s activities as a coach were short-lived. Given her love for her work, one can still expect her to return to the role of mentor. Alina Maksimenko was and remains one of the brightest gymnasts of her generation. Together with sports awards, she was strewn with various unofficial prizes for artistry and elegance. And although her athletic age was short-lived, she will forever remain in the hearts of fans.