The fifth and final rhythmic gymnastics World Challenge Cup of the 2019 season is officially over, and the competition was a successful one for many parties. Multiple different countries got gymnasts onto the podium, making it one to remember for fans of many teams.

The United States in particular has something to celebrate, as one of their gymnasts made it onto the podium for the first time in the entire WCC series, and the U.S. is slowly but surely improving its rhythmic gymnastics team overall. Camilla Feeley took bronze in ribbon, giving the United States its highest finish in this meet. 

Italy nearly swept the entire competition, with one of its gymnasts taking first on each event. Alexandra Agiurgiuculese took first in hoop and clubs, as well as second in ball. Milena Baldassarri helped Italy by placing first in ball and ribbon, as well as second in clubs. Italy also did well in the team competition, taking first in 5 balls and second in 4 clubs 3 hoops to take first in group overall.

Never to be overlooked in a rhythmic competition, Russia took the gold all-around place due to Aleksandra Soldatova’s clean routines. This first-place finish means that they won first all-around in four out of five WCC competitions this series. Soldatova also took bronze in ball. 

Belarus had a good meet as well, placing in both the individual all-around and group competitions. The team took third as a group after placing first in 4 clubs 3 hoops and third in 5 balls, and it took third place all-around thanks to Alina Harnasko. Harnasko also placed third in hoop. Harnasko’s teammate Anastasiia Salos stepped into the spotlight for the first time in awhile to take second in hoop and third in clubs.

Japan also did well in Portimão, placing second in group after a second-place finish in 5 balls and third-place finish in 4 clubs, 3 hoops. Like the United States, Ukraine only made it onto the podium once in this competition due to a star gymnast. Yeva Meleshcuk took second in ribbon, right ahead of the USA’s Camilla Feeley.