Medal haul

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The acrobatic El-Bourini

EGYPT's Heba El-Bourini captured the admiration of the audience and referees, not to mention medals, as she beat 30 competitors to win three gold medals and three silver at the Maadi Club International Rhythmic Gymnastics championship. Taking part was Russia, the Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Canada, Australia, Syria and host Egypt.

The 12 year-old El-Bourini competed against 12 Egyptian gymnasts and 18 foreigners. Her efforts earned her a gold in the overall competition followed by Bulgaria and Russia. The second gold came in the ball event and her third was achieved in the teams. The silver medals were won in the rope, ribbon and hoop.

El-Bourini is trained by Paolina Nikolova and the ballet teacher Gala. Both are Bulgarian. The technical advisor at Gezira Club where El-Bourini trains is Magda Ismail.

Maria Gigova, a well known rhythmic gymnastics athlete, and Nina Vitrishinko from the international federation were impressed by El-Bourini's world class performance. Vitrishinko predicts El-Bourini will have a "great future in the sport with better results to be achieved".