California Rhythms sweeps podium at American Championship in Miami

Three athletes coached by Iryna Bielkina took first, second and third place at the American Championship in Miami, a rare sweep in rhythmic gymnastics. The result puts California Rhythms at the center of a national competition that drew 72 athletes from clubs across the country.

Why it matters: - A podium sweep by athletes from one coach and one club is rare in rhythmic gymnastics. - The result gave California Rhythms the top three spots in a national-level competition field of 72 athletes. - Strong results at the American Championship can shape planning for later regional, national and qualifying events.

What happened: - Athletes trained by coach Iryna Bielkina swept the podium at the American Championship in Miami, Florida. - Zhuban Azhar won first place, Gasparyan Nicole finished second, and Gu Avery took third. - The three athletes competed in a field that included clubs from across the country. - California Rhythms is the program led by Bielkina.

The details: - The American Championship featured athletes from clubs and regions nationwide. - Competition spans multiple age divisions and apparatus routines. - Routines are judged on difficulty, execution and artistic expression. - Results are determined across multiple rounds, so one strong routine is not enough to secure a medal. - Rhythmic gymnastics combines dance, ballet and gymnastics. - Athletes perform choreographed routines using hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon and rope. - A panel of certified judges scores routines on technical difficulty, execution and artistic presentation. - Bielkina said the result reflected a full season of discipline, patience and trust between athletes and coaching staff. - Bielkina said summer training and preparation for the 2027 season are ahead. - Bielkina has more than 10 years of coaching experience and works with athletes across multiple age and skill divisions at California Rhythms.

Between the lines: - The sweep stands out because national rhythmic gymnastics fields usually spread medals across multiple clubs. - The result suggests California Rhythms has built a program that can produce three medal contenders in the same category. - The performance also points to consistency, since the event rewards repeated execution rather than a single routine.

What's next: - California Rhythms will resume training this summer. - The club plans to use the Miami results as a launch point for the 2027 competitive season. - Bielkina and her athletes intend to build on the momentum from the championship.

The bottom line: - California Rhythms turned a national championship into a clean sweep, a result that is unusual in rhythmic gymnastics and likely to lift the club’s profile heading into 2027.