Golden Girls: Bulgaria’s Rhythmic Team Clinches World Title, Named Team of the Month

Jerusalem, 24 July, 2025 (TPS-IL) -- Sofia (BTA) – The Bulgarian girls’ rhythmic gymnastics ensemble was honored as the number one team of June after winning the world title in the all-around at the world championship in Sofia.

The students of Kristina Ilieva and her assistant Zhanina Ivanova received 20 votes from the sports editorial offices in the poll of the Press Club “Bulgaria.” At the end of June, Raya Bozhilova, Yoana Moteva, Anania Dimitrova, Gabriela Traykova, Ivayla Velkovska and Elena Hristova took gold medals in the all-around, the title in the final in the combination with five hoops and bronze in five pairs of clubs.

“I want to thank the Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the entire team that was by my side during the preparation, the girls – for supporting us all the time, for the fact that even though we had some setbacks during the season, they did not let us get discouraged and in the end we managed to cope with the most important competition with joint efforts,” said head coach Kristina Ilieva.

“We are extremely grateful for the support everyone has given us and, of course, to the girls for a job well done. We are extremely happy and grateful,” added Zhanina Ivanova.

The two said that they have not yet thought about the future and that they will have a conversation with the president of the Bulgarian Federation of Fine Arts, Iliana Raeva. However, Ilieva is sure that she wants to continue working with the national team.

This team is disbanding, but the girls said they want to develop as an ensemble, and some of them are set to participate individually at the State Championships.

“We thank our coaches. We worked hard and believed that it would turn out the way we wanted,” Ivayla Velkovska commented at the press conference.

“We are grateful to the coaches for their support, for never stopping believing in us, and we are very happy that we succeeded,” added Raya Bozhilova.

“We had many difficulties along the way, but with our coaches’ faith in us, we managed to reach the top,” said Gabriela Traykova.

Shortly after the press conference, the girls surprised the president of the Bulgarian Federation of Fine Arts, Iliana Raeva, with a kind gesture, presenting her with a painting in gratitude for the help, faith, motivation and trust she had given them throughout their preparation and responsible competitions.