Alona Hillel about her path in gymnastics
She start rhythmic gymnastics at age 10, because of her mom. When she started, she needed extra motivation, she didn't want it. How people say, she tall and flexible, but didn't have anything else. Alona say, she lack of coordination. Before gymnastics, Alona tried herself in many sports.
At age of 13, she joined national team.
Alona had a lot of difficulties in junior team, she didn’t fit in there. It was better with seniors, but after spending time with them, she realized that it didn’t work. It's not girls or coaches, she's just not suited to be on group team.
Coaches will not accept abnormal behavior in team. For example, if someone fights or starts fights.
Alona says that working with Julieta was interesting. They communicated in English and Russian (because Julieta speaks Bulgarian).
Her training was also hard. Alona even cried.
Alona was supposed to compete in tournament in Poland (Gdynia) in 2023, but she got injured during warm-up during a jump. Stiliana's coach immediately ran up and used cold spray.
It was hard to see everyone preparing for European Championships and to realize that she had missed her chance.
After long recovery period and another injury, Alona decided to retire from gymnastics because her leg would not heal.
Everyone knew that 2024 Israel Championship would be her last competition. This decision was made before WC Milan. Her knee started to hurt even after half-hour walk. Knee just won't straighten all the way.
Original
She start rhythmic gymnastics at age 10, because of her mom. When she started, she needed extra motivation, she didn't want it. How people say, she tall and flexible, but didn't have anything else. Alona say, she lack of coordination. Before gymnastics, Alona tried herself in many sports.
At age of 13, she joined national team.
Alona had a lot of difficulties in junior team, she didn’t fit in there. It was better with seniors, but after spending time with them, she realized that it didn’t work. It's not girls or coaches, she's just not suited to be on group team.
Coaches will not accept abnormal behavior in team. For example, if someone fights or starts fights.
Alona says that working with Julieta was interesting. They communicated in English and Russian (because Julieta speaks Bulgarian).
Her training was also hard. Alona even cried.
Alona was supposed to compete in tournament in Poland (Gdynia) in 2023, but she got injured during warm-up during a jump. Stiliana's coach immediately ran up and used cold spray.
It was hard to see everyone preparing for European Championships and to realize that she had missed her chance.
After long recovery period and another injury, Alona decided to retire from gymnastics because her leg would not heal.
Everyone knew that 2024 Israel Championship would be her last competition. This decision was made before WC Milan. Her knee started to hurt even after half-hour walk. Knee just won't straighten all the way.
Original