Ukrainian Rhythmic Gymnasts Shine at the Brno Grand Prix Stage
Taisiia Onofriichuk, the standout leader of Ukraine’s rhythmic gymnastics team, captured three gold medals at the Grand Prix held in Brno, Czech Republic. She triumphed in the all-around competition as well as in the ball and clubs finals. Polina Karika added to Ukraine’s medal tally with a silver in hoop and a bronze in ball. Anastasiia Ikan delivered strong performances as well, finishing fifth in both the clubs and ribbon finals. This event marked Karika’s first Grand Prix medals of the 2026 season. Overall, Ukrainian gymnasts earned a total of five medals at this competition.
Onofriichuk showcased exceptional skill, taking gold in the all-around with top scores of 28.450 for ball and 29.450 for clubs in the finals. She also placed seventh in hoop and fifth in ribbon finals. Karika narrowly missed gold in the hoop event by just 0.05 points, settling for silver behind Kazakhstan’s Akmanal Yerekesheva, and secured bronze in the ball final with a score of 27.350.
Additional Highlights and Preparation Ahead of Upcoming Events
Anastasiia Ikan’s consistent efforts earned her fifth place finishes in the clubs (27.150) and ribbon (26.450) finals. The Brno stage was the first competition for Onofriichuk, Karika, and Ikan following the 2026 World Championships, where Onofriichuk made history by winning Ukraine’s first individual all-around gold in 13 years, along with a silver in clubs. This season alone, Onofriichuk has amassed 11 Grand Prix medals, including 10 golds and one bronze.
Onofriichuk’s medal distribution for the 2026 Grand Prix series so far is as follows:
- Ribbon – two gold medals (Tartu, Marbella);
- Clubs – gold (Brno), bronze (Marbella);
- Hoop – two gold medals (Tartu, Marbella);
- Ball – two gold medals (Marbella, Brno);
- All-around – three gold medals (Tartu, Marbella, Brno).
It’s worth recalling that at the 2025 European Championships, Onofriichuk earned Ukraine’s first individual all-around gold in 28 years and also clinched a gold medal in hoop at the European Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Brno Grand Prix stage serves as a crucial step in the ongoing preparation of Ukrainian gymnasts for forthcoming international competitions.
Ukraine’s gymnasts demonstrated elite preparation and a strong start to the season at the Brno Grand Prix, securing five medals that reflect both individual excellence and team success. These achievements highlight their readiness for upcoming international contests and championships scheduled in the near future.
Following her impressive performance in Brno, Onofriichuk's recent success at the World Championships highlights her remarkable consistency and skill in rhythmic gymnastics. Her ability to secure medals across multiple events showcases her versatility and positions her as a leading figure in the sport, further elevating Ukraine's presence on the international stage.