Published on: 2026-09-25
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
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Anastasia Dmitrieva made history as the first Russian woman to win gold at the World Championship in sports aerobics in the individual category. But behind this victory lies not just sport, but a true feat.
Golden five hundredths
On September 12 in Pamplona (Spain), the world championship final remained dramatic until the last second. Anastasia Dmitrieva scored 20.550 points, her opponent from Ukraine — 20.500. The gap — 0.05 points. Just five hundredths separated gold from silver and inscribed the name of the Polytech student into the history of Russian sports aerobics.
I couldn’t believe what I saw on the screen. Emotions were overwhelming. I was insanely happy, and those were tears of joy. Many people wrote to me that they were crying with me at that moment. Moreover, the happiness was not only from the victory but also from the fact that we — me, coaches, parents, friends — were able to go through this journey and achieve such a result, — Anastasia said.
The athlete hadn’t even thought about the fact that she became the first Russian woman to win gold at the World Championship in individual performances until people started congratulating her. “I am very glad that I managed to inscribe myself in the history of Russian sports aerobics. It is a great honor for me,” the girl says.
The price of victory: a fracture and a cast instead of full-fledged preparation
The road to this gold was far from easy. Preparation for the World Championship began in mid-July at the camp. Literally a week later, Nastya broke her heel and cuboid bones in the ankle joint. According to doctors’ forecasts, the cast needed to be worn for 2.5 to 3 months.
the athlete recalls.
It was only in mid-August that she began to walk. Then walking on the platform was added to the training, followed by walking with the arm movements from the program. Gradually, the steps turned into movements, and then into full-fledged choreography. Nastya tried her first jumps a week before leaving for the competition.
Of course, it was both frightening and painful, but it was already too late to retreat. I had come too far to give up at the very end.
“I never even thought I could beat my opponent”
Tuning in for the final, Nastya understood that the competition would be tough. At all World Cup stages where she performed alongside the Ukrainian athlete, the rival had won. Therefore, the goal was simple — to enjoy the performance.
In the qualification round, I was very nervous because I knew it was a fight for the team score, and I didn’t want to let the team down. But before the final, that responsibility seemed to ease a little, and I decided to just put on a decent performance and make the coaches, my loved ones, and everyone who cheered for me happy.
The season exceeded all expectations
At the beginning of the year, Nastya had no expectations, only the anticipation of entering the international arena. In the first stage of the World Cup, there was a lot of uncertainty and fear. But with each start, more confidence and a desire to improve her result appeared.
The World Championship final exceeded all my expectations. I was even afraid to think about such a thing, though I never stopped dreaming.
In addition to the World Championship gold, this season Nastya became the winner of the World Cup in individual performances and in the group.
Gratitude to those who were by my side
On the way to gold, there were many moments when the athlete was ready to give up. For support during such moments, Nastya thanks her coaches: Elena Alekseevna Kupershmit, Natalia Vadimovna Ilyicheva, and Alexey Viktorovich Bazarov.
It was these people who helped me get into shape every day, not lose hope, and find the strength within myself to keep going. Thank you to my coaches for guiding me properly toward this medal and always being by my side.
What next?
After the World Championship, Nastya plans to restore her health and strength, improve her studies, and return to her usual training routine. Then — preparation for the next competitions.
Among the qualities that have helped her throughout her career, the athlete highlights discipline, hard work, and responsibility. However, according to her, it is important that increased responsibility does not interfere with her performances. Nastya is also learning to listen to her body. So far, this is difficult, but the coaches are helping.
A Message to Young Athletes
Never stop believing in yourself, your abilities, and your coach. It would be very difficult, or perhaps impossible, to go through this journey alone. Therefore, it is very important to have complete trust in the coach and to have close people nearby who will always support you and bring you back on the right path if you ever decide to stray from it. And, of course, don’t forget to dream. Dreams can come true.
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