The Italy of rhythmic gymnastics, between Sofia Raffaeli and the ‘Butterflies’, has now taken off towards the ‘Paris 2024 Olympics’. In between we will have to honor the World Cup finals which will be held at the Milan Forum (21-23 June). The Italian rhythmic team concluded the 40th edition of the European Championship in Budapest – next year will be the first time for the Estonian capital Tallinn – with seven medals, two gold and five silver.
On the final day the Mameli Anthem resounded twice inside the ‘Papp Làszlo’ Sportarèna’ of the Hungarian capital. Thanks to Sofia Raffaeli, gold on the ball, and the ‘Butterflies’ in the 5 circles. Raffaeli, 20 years old, from the Marche region of Fiamme Oro, nicknamed the ‘Volcano of Chiaravalle’, after the silver in the All around and the one in the team ranking (together with the ‘Farfalle’ and Milena Baldassarri and Tara Dragas), won her fifth gold European in her career, confirming herself as the ‘Queen of Europe’ on the ball for the second consecutive year. Claudia Mancinelli’s student won with 35.350 points ahead of the home favorite, the Hungarian Fanni Piniczki (34.850) and the Israeli Daniela Munits (34.250).
On the tape, Raffaeli with 33,950 points guaranteed herself silver behind the German Darja Varfolomeev (34,400) who remains at the top of Europe. “I’m happy for the two apparatuses in which I medaled – declared Raffaeli who boasts ten European medals -. Unfortunately there are errors because it is the fourth day of competition on all the apparatuses and concentration is lost a bit. After I managed to maintain my confidence despite the mistakes. Now I will study some new elements to include in the exercises to improve the starting notes in view not only of Paris but also for the World Cup in Milan.”
The ‘Butterflies’ win and convince, gold in the 5 circles. After silver in the general competition and second place in the team ranking, the airmen Alessia Maurelli, Martina Centofanti, Agnese Duranti, Daniela Mogurean, Laura Paris and the policewoman Alessia Russo, to the tune of Beethoven’s ‘Scherzo Very Vivace’ arranged by Audiomachine with ‘Greatness’ by Vo Willisas, they won with a total of 39,350 points. Silver to Spain (38.750), bronze to Israel (38.650).
In the routine with the 3 ribbons and 2 balls, the Italian national team – Olympic bronze in Tokyo in 2021 – due to a loss and some small inaccuracies had to settle for seventh place. Gold for Spain ahead of Israel and Ukraine. In the Italian medal list there is also the silver of the junior Anna Piergentili in the ball behind the Israeli Meital Maayam Sumkin.