As a former professional rhythmic gymnast and London 2012 Olympic Games bronze medallist (group all-around), Marta Pagnini was the perfect ambassador for the young athletes participating at the 17th edition of ISF Gymnasiade.
Marta joined ISF youth on several sites of Gymnasiade - School Summer Games 2018, held from May 2-9 in Marrakech, Morocco.
Meeting the future of rhythmic gymnastics
Young rhythmic gymnasts had a good reason to be excited, but also a little bit nervous. Marta paid close attention to the youth athletes aspiring to follow her footsteps into the world of professional gymnastics.
Aleksandra from Ukraine and Viktoria from Cyprus both had a chance of speaking to Marta on their Olympic aspirations, gymnastics routines, balancing school with training, and more.
From grace to strength; visiting the young wrestlers
At first sight, wrestling and rhythmic gymnastics might not have that much in common. But both sports demand a high level of commitment, discipline and practice.
Marta also stopped by at Azzouzia Hall, Marrakech, where the Gymnasiade wrestling competition was being held.
Tharollo, a young wrestler from South Africa, spoke to Marta on his time in Morocoo, competing at Gymnasiade, Olympic dream and the similarities between wrestling and gymnastics.
Marta first joined ISF as an ambassador in 2017 at the ISF seminar and Gymnasaide 2020 host city announcement in Olbia, Italy.
We thank Marta for her willingness to join ISF youth and taking the time to meet, talk and inspire the young school sport athletes.
