The air at Messe Essen on Saturday, 19 July was thick with anticipation as all eyes were fixed on Germany’s Margarita Kolosov during the individual ball final of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games rhythmic gymnastics competition.
The 2024 Olympian, who placed fourth in individual all-around last summer in Paris, wasn’t just competing, she was captivating, drawing an outpouring of love and support from a home crowd that visibly cherished her. As her routine culminated in gold, it wasn’t just a medal for Germany, it was a testament to the power of a hometown hero.
“It was a very nice and warm feeling, a feeling of love and support,” beamed the two-time national all-around champion. “I saw my first coach; she wrote me that she was going to be here today. My family is here. I love competing in Germany, I love the atmosphere, I love feeling the people, feeling their love, and it is the country I grew up in, so the mentality is different. It’s nice being at home.”
Rhythmic gymnastics, a mesmerising blend of dance, ballet, and intricate manipulation of ribbons, hoops and balls, has captivated young girls worldwide. Beyond its dazzling beauty, this demanding sport shapes young athletes physically, emotionally and socially. For Kolosov, the discipline has not only honed her performance skills in front of judges and audiences but has also profoundly encouraged her emotional expressiveness. This creative outlet, she explained, is a healthy way to process emotions and relieve stress.
“It’s hard sometimes but believe in yourself and trust in yourself and don’t give up,” she shared, offering a piece of wisdom forged in countless hours of training. “Hard work will always pay off, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Someday it will.”
A fusion of academics and sports
Kolosov’s journey extends beyond the typical demands of an elite athlete. As a student of psychology, she views her academic pursuits not as a distraction but as essential for her well-being and future.
“The sport is important because our time is limited and very short in this sport,” she reflected. “It is important not to stop where you are and to educate yourself and build for a future. It’s a little bit relaxing because when I read, I stop thinking about the sport and problems in life, breathe, and try to memorise it. That’s why I am studying psychology.”
Perhaps most powerfully, Kolosov is inspiring a vital shift in the world of rhythmic gymnastics. In a sport often burdened by rigid aesthetic norms, she is shattering expectations simply by being herself. “You don’t have to be the skinniest in the sport; you have to be comfortable in your body,” she asserted. “You don’t have to conform to the norms, even with your choice of music, and do what you want and be successful.”
Her sister proudly attests to her relentless dedication: “It’s very impressive, she manages it well. She always goes to training in the gym in the morning, then goes to school, then still performs in school.”
Kolosov is living proof that diversity in body types does not compromise performance quality. Her journey travels beyond the competition circuit, inspiring coaches, parents and aspiring gymnasts to rethink what excellence truly looks like in rhythmic gymnastics.
In an art form where individuality can sometimes be overshadowed by aesthetic ideals, Kolosov’s courage to be authentic is changing perceptions. She reminds us that the most powerful art, is when it is authentic.
The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games take place from 16-27 July. Watch all the competitions live on fisu.tv. Click on the link to find the full schedule.
Written by Jagunna Iretomiwa, FISU Young Reporter, Nigeria
The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.
We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.