2015 Varna World Cup
The Varna World Cup, the second of three Acrobatic World Cups on the FIG calendar during the 2015 season was a star-studded affair. This website was originally created to promote and report on the Varna World Cup. This page was created from the VarnaWorldCup2015.com's archived pages, as well as other outside sources. Thanks to The Web Archive Project for providing technical assistance for the archive development. Funding was provided by the maritime injury lawyers at OffshoreInjuryLouisiana.com - learn more about them - who actively help injured maritime workers obtain medical care and compensation when they are unable to work. The partners have supported acrobatic gymnastic events on several continents and believe this website was an historically significant document. You can view this restoration strictly for its historical context.
My two girls are acrobatic gymnasts. Although they recognize they will never compete at the level of the gymnasts at the Varna World Cup, they avidly follow the various disciplines of the sport whether it be acrobatic or artistic. They are hoping that acrobatic gymnastics will eventually be recognized as a valid sport that will be included in the Olympics someday. We were staying in a lovely Maui vacation condo at the Kapalua Resort on the western coast of the island during the Varna World Cup. While my wife and I were out golfing on the amazing world class courses at Kapalua, our two daughters were watching the Varna World Cup on their computers. Fortunately they didn't spend their entire time inside. We were able to go snorkeling every morning, took a trip to the Haleakala Crater to watch a stunning sunrise. Its crater offers panoramic out-of-this-world landscapes and birds-eye views of the island when the clouds part. We even got in a very long day driving the twisting Hana road. However, thank goodness for the internet that brings events half way around the world to your laptop when you can't be at an event in person. Enjoy this truncated version of the 2015 Varna World Cup website. I wish I could have posted some videos for your viewing pleasure.
The 2015 Varna World Cup Over View
In attendance were 2014 World medalists from three of the five Acrobatic disciplines. There were also several promising newcomers who were expected to be in the medal hunt at the year's European Acro Championships in September 2015 in Riesa (GER) in October.
The Men's Pairs field included 2014 World silver medallists Yauheni Novikau andIlya Rybinski (BLR). The talented duo skipped the Maia World Cup in Portugal the previous month, but were expected to face a challenge from the exceptionalAlexander Kvasov and Andrei Charikov, who flipped and balanced their way to gold in Portugal. Kazakh veterans Sultanbek Naisbayev and Daniyar Muslimov, were competing at their first World Cup this season, were likely to be a threat for the title, while Levallois World bronze medallist Farai Bright-Garamukanwa and new partner James Kaeageorgis(GBR) were expected to place well also.
In Women's Pairs, the elegant Viktoryia Mikhnovich and Marharyta Bartashevich (BLR), fourth at the 2014 Worlds, hoped to break into the medals in Varna. They would be competing against five other female duos, including Maia World Cup champions Amy Cookand Lucy Wiener, one of two British Pairs who entered the competition.
Coming into the Varna World Cup, the young Mixed Pair of Maksim Soprunovand Ekaterina Vdovina (RUS) had reasons to hold their heads up high -- they were the champions in Maia, defeating World bronze medallists Kiley Boynton and Ryan Ward (USA) among others. Added to the mix in Varna were the Maia silver medallists Yana Vastaveland Solano Cassamajor (BEL). All met again in Varna.
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F.I.G. Report Article from Gymmedia.de
In a first for the International Gymnastics Federation (F.I.G.), this past weekend's World Cup competitions in Acrobatic & Artistic Gymnastics in Varna (BUL) were held concurrently in the same arena, with Saturday and Sunday's finals showcasing first one discipline, then the other.
The idea of combining the disciplines on the World Cup level has not been tried until now and the Varna World Cup represents a first for both disciplines.
June's European Games in Baku (AZE) will also feature a combined format, mixing Acro and Rhythmic, as well as Trampoline and Aerobic.
"As we consider how we would like our competition formats to evolve, we feel that trying this is an important step," said FIG Secretary General André Gueisbuhler, who was in attendance at the Varna Palace of Culture and Sport for the weekend competition, along with FIG President Bruno Grandi. "The audience will be able to benefit from seeing more than just one form of Gymnastics, which will energize the atmosphere for both the spectators and the athletes."
Acrobatic Gymnastics has gained recognition and admiration in recent years thanks to the success of elite Acro Troupes like Spelbound (GBR), AcroArmy (USA) and The Art Gym Company (POR), which have won or placed highly on their country's respective "Got Talent" TV shows. In addition, Brazil's best Acro gymnasts performed as part of the opening ceremonies at the 2014 World Cup and their body-bending skills generated plenty of buzz. But while its videos enjoy a healthy online popularity, Acro misses out from not being part of the Olympic Games. Funding for non-Olympic disciplines is scarce in many countries and contributes to a talent drain as athletes leave the sport to sign with professional performance companies like Cirque du Soleil.
Combining the Acro and Artistic World Cups is likely to elevate Acro’s exposure to potential fans and attract gymnasts to the discipline, Gueisbuhler added.
Challenge Cup - ACROBATIC Gymnastics
- Varna / BUL, May 07 - 09 –
Venue
For the first time ever in the international World of gymnastics, Bulgaria will be hosting World Cup in both sports acrobatics gymnastics and artistic gymnastics for seniors simultaneously. The co-event is a precedent in the history of gymnastics and acrobatics sports and is a unique moment. The event will be honored by the presence of the FIG President Mr. Bruno Grandi and the FIG Secretary General Mr. Andre Gueisbuhler.
During FIG World Challenge Cup (MAG/WAG) and FIG World Cup (ACRO), International Tournaments for Age Groups will be held including the International Tournament for Juniors (AG) and International Tournament for ACRO Age Gropus (ACRO).
The event will be held between May 7th and May 9th, 2015 in the Bulgarian sea-capital, city of Varna. The venue will be the renovated Kongresna Hall in the Palace of Culture and Sports near the Black Sea.
In the sports version the playground measures 50 m by 25 m. The scene can be automatically reorganized as a platform with 430 seats. The 3500 lux illumination allows direct TV broadcasting and the cabins for radio and TV commentary provide comfort to the electronic media journalists. The electronic information board with 500 signs in Cyrillic and in Latin can count the real play time and astronomical time. There are 6 changing rooms, a doctor’s consulting room, a doping control room, three offices.
2015
Injury left out Sepulveda from floor final
May 9, 2015
The Champion on vault from the World cup in Anadia Tomas Enrique Sepulveda will not compete in the floor final in Varna, due to an injury in his left ankle. In Thursday qualifications his performance placed him in the first place with a score of 15.450, with lead of 0.500 in front of Ziga Silc. The Chilean got injured during the vault competition and went ….
Quotes of the day, Finals: LIVE
May 9, 2015
MAG Floor Tomislav Markovic (CRO), Gold medal: “I’m very pleased with my performance, It’s my first time being here and I made my routine in the best way I can, Bulgaria brings luck!” James Hall (GBR), Silver medal: “That’s my best routine and I did my moves correctly Ziga Cilic (SLO), Bronze medal: “Of course I’m happy and I….
Quotes of the day…
May 8, 2015
Isabella Amado Medrano, Women’s artistic gymnastics: “I’m pleased with my performance. Good middle of the season for me. I hope for a good routine tomorrow.” Lucy Gamble and Grace Tucker, Women’s pair GBR Junior 12-18: “We didn’t expect to come first but we’re pleased with our performance. The atmosphere was nice but the audience could have be...
Bruno Grandi: Bulgaria builds the future
May 8, 2015
Despite his busy schedule the President of The International Federation of Gymnastics Mr. Bruno Grandi managed to attend the first in the history of Gymnastics combined World Cup of Artistic Gymnastics and Acrobatics. The Italian watched the whole competition day at The Palace of Culture and Sports yesterday, May 7, and today he has to leave the country because..
The European All-around champion from 2015 Giulia Steingruber: I like to be in Bulgaria!
May 7, 2015
In Varna we can watch the European All-around champion from 2015 – Giulia Steingruber. She is a breath taking gymnast during competition and it’s a great pleasure to watch her beautiful moves. Here what she and her coach told us: Zolatan Yordanov: ‘”It’s very good to be in Bulgaria. Giulia took an extra free week and we are in a process to recover our... read more
The results of the Junior Competition from today, 7 of May, 2015
May 7, 2015
The results of the Junior Competition from today, 7 of May, 2015: ACRO World Cup – Qualifications – 7 May Acro -11-16 years old Acro – 11-16, 12-18 and 13-19 years old 18-Vault 18-SecondVaultAvg 18_Floor 18-Horrizontal Bar 18-Parallel Bars 18-Rings 18-Pommel Horse 16-Parallel Bars 16-Pommel Horse 16-Rings 16-Vault 18-AllRound 16-Horrizontal Ba... read more
Quotes of the day (07.04) Junior competition Acro and Artistic
May 7, 2015
March Johannes and Fernando Vogt, man pair 11-16: “We are very happy. Bulgaria is such a nice country, we went to the beach and we swimmed a little bit.” Silvina Mitreva and Kaloyan Ninov, mixed pair 11-16: We are very contented from what we have done, this time everything was perfect. This was our firs competition as a pair in it was really interesting.”... read more
Follow the finals of the 2015 Varna World Challenge Cup in Artistic Gymnastics & 2015 Varna World Cup
May 7, 2015
BROADCASTING SCHEDULEMay 8th, 2015 Qualifications – DELAYED17:15 – 19:15 BNT HD /no video stream INTERNATIONALLY/May 9th, 2015, FINALS – LIVE12:30 – 14:20 BNT HD /no video stream INTERNATIONALLY/14:45 – 17:15 BNT World /video streaming on http://tv.bnt.bg/bntworld/18:20 – 20:50 BNT HD /no video stream INTERNATIONALLY БÐТ World LIVE tv.bnt.bg
Follow the finals of the 2015 Varna World Challenge Cup
May 6, 2015
Official broadcaster: BULGARIAN NATIONAL TELEVISION (BNT) BROADCASTING SCHEDULE May 8th, 2015 Qualifications – DELAYED 17:15 – 19:15 BNT HD /no video stream INTERNATIONALLY/ May 9th, 2015, FINALS – LIVE 12:30 – 14:20 BNT HD /no video stream INTERNATIONALLY/ 14:45 – 17:15 BNT World /video streaming on http://tv.bnt.bg/bntworld/ 18:20 – 20:50 BNT HD
The World Challenge Cup of Artistic Gymnastics and Acrobatics has been officially opened
May 6, 2015
Under the tunes of the brass of the navy in the city of Varna, accompanied by the Bulgarian folk assemble “Odessos”, was held the official ceremony for the opening of The World Challenge Cup. The ceremony took place at The Palace of Culture and Sports. The official guests who attended the event were the minister of Youth and Sports Mr. Krasen Kralev.
More Background on VarnaWorldCup2015.com
The Varna World Cup is an internationally recognized gymnastics competition held in Varna, Bulgaria, notable for its unique combination of Acrobatic Gymnastics and Artistic Gymnastics events conducted simultaneously. This innovative format, first prominently showcased in the 2015 edition, marked a milestone in the gymnastics world and brought together top athletes from around the globe in a dynamic and multifaceted competition.
History and Significance
Varna, Bulgaria, has a rich tradition of hosting major gymnastics events, with a history stretching back decades. The city notably hosted the 1974 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, an event remembered not only for its high-level competition but also for the political complexities surrounding athlete participation during the apartheid era. This legacy established Varna as a key location for gymnastics on the international stage.
The 2015 Varna World Cup was groundbreaking as it was the first time the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) organized World Cup competitions in Acrobatic and Artistic Gymnastics concurrently in the same venue. This dual format allowed audiences to experience a broader spectrum of gymnastics disciplines within a single event, enhancing the sport's visibility and appeal.
Event Details and Format
The event took place at the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, a venue well-equipped for international competitions. The arena featured a 50 by 25-meter competition floor and seating for over 400 spectators, along with modern lighting and broadcasting capabilities to support live television coverage. Facilities included multiple changing rooms, medical and doping control areas, and media commentary booths, ensuring a professional environment for athletes, officials, and journalists.
The competition spanned three days, featuring qualifications and finals across various apparatuses and categories for senior and junior gymnasts. The schedule was designed to alternate between Acrobatic and Artistic Gymnastics finals, maximizing audience engagement and showcasing the diversity of gymnastics disciplines.
Athletes and Competition
The Varna World Cup attracted elite gymnasts, including world medalists and rising talents from numerous countries. In Acrobatic Gymnastics, pairs and groups demonstrated complex routines involving balance, dynamic throws, and coordinated choreography. Artistic Gymnastics featured traditional apparatus events such as vault, floor exercise, rings, and uneven bars, with athletes performing routines that combined strength, agility, and artistry.
Prominent competitors included medalists from previous World Championships and World Cups, highlighting the event’s high competitive standard. The presence of such athletes underscored the Varna World Cup’s importance as a key event in the gymnastics calendar, serving both as a prestigious competition and a preparatory platform for upcoming championships.
Cultural and Social Impact
The Varna World Cup’s innovative format had significant cultural and social implications for the gymnastics community. By combining Acrobatic and Artistic Gymnastics, the event helped raise the profile of Acrobatic Gymnastics, a discipline that, despite its growing popularity and impressive athleticism, remains outside the Olympic program. This exposure was seen as a strategic step to attract new fans and participants, potentially paving the way for greater recognition and inclusion in future multi-sport events.
The event also fostered a festive and inclusive atmosphere, drawing local and international audiences. It provided opportunities for cultural exchange and promoted Bulgaria’s image as a vibrant host for world-class sports events. The presence of FIG officials, including the President and Secretary General, highlighted the event’s importance within the global gymnastics governance structure.
Media Coverage and Audience
The Varna World Cup received extensive media attention, particularly within gymnastics-focused outlets and sports networks. Bulgarian National Television (BNT) provided live broadcasts and streaming services, making the event accessible to a wide audience both domestically and internationally. The advanced media facilities at the venue supported comprehensive coverage, including live commentary and real-time scoring updates.
The audience comprised gymnastics enthusiasts, local sports fans, and international visitors, creating a diverse and engaged crowd. The event’s format and scheduling were designed to maximize spectator experience, with back-to-back finals offering continuous high-level competition and entertainment.
Legacy and Influence
The success of the 2015 Varna World Cup set a precedent for future gymnastics events by demonstrating the feasibility and appeal of combining multiple disciplines in a single competition. This approach influenced subsequent international gymnastics events, including the European Games and other FIG World Cups, which have experimented with mixed formats to broaden the sport’s reach.
Moreover, the Varna World Cup contributed to the ongoing dialogue about the development and promotion of Acrobatic Gymnastics. By sharing the stage with Artistic Gymnastics, Acro athletes gained increased visibility, which is crucial for securing funding, sponsorship, and potential Olympic inclusion.
Examples and Insights
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The event featured standout performances such as those by the Mixed Pair from Russia, who were reigning champions from previous World Cups, and Artistic Gymnastics stars like the European All-around champion Giulia Steingruber, whose participation added prestige and drew attention to the competition.
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The venue’s technical setup, including a high-illumination arena suitable for live TV broadcasting and an electronic scoreboard capable of displaying information in multiple languages, reflected the event’s professionalism and international scope.
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The presence of international tournaments for junior age groups alongside the senior competitions emphasized the event’s role in athlete development and the nurturing of future gymnastics talent.
The Varna World Cup stands out as a landmark event in the gymnastics world, notable for its innovative combination of Acrobatic and Artistic Gymnastics competitions. Its rich history, high competitive standards, and cultural significance have made it a celebrated fixture on the international gymnastics calendar. The event not only showcased athletic excellence but also contributed to the growth and visibility of gymnastics disciplines, fostering a deeper appreciation among fans and stakeholders worldwide.
