A gymnast’s feet are their foundation. Every pivot, leap and landing begins there, says Antonina. Photos: Antonina Yuri
When Antonina Yuri, 48, first saw her daughters’ feet bleeding after rhythmic gymnastics practice, something inside her broke.
“Even though they were wearing proper footwear for the discipline, their feet were badly injured,” she recalls.
That night in 2019, the mother of two – twin rhythmic gymnasts Sonya and Sofya Idris, now 15 – decided she would do something about it.
Armed not with a design degree but with sheer maternal determination, Antonina began experimenting with fabrics at her home in Ipoh, Perak.
“My first attempts were clumsy,” she laughs. “One version was too stiff, another was too slippery. I just kept adjusting, testing and trying again.”
Each prototype brought her closer to solving a problem that had plagued not just her daughters, but countless other young gymnasts.
Rhythmic gymnasts Sonya (left) and Sofya proudly refer to their footwear as ‘Mama’s half-shoes’.Her daughters’ reaction made every failed stitch worth it.
“They were so proud. They called them ‘Mama’s half-shoes’ and wore them to training the next day,” Antonina says fondly.
When their coach noticed the comfort and asked where they’d bought them, Antonina realised she might have stumbled on something bigger than a personal project.
Thus began Tonya Twins – a heartfelt venture named after herself (Tonya) and her daughters (Twins). But to Antonina, it was never just about footwear.
It was about nurturing healthy, confident and happy children in a sport that often demands perfection at a young age.
Born in Kazakhstan, Antonina moved to Malaysia in 2005 after marrying her Malaysian husband while working as a lecturer in Russia.
She taught English and Russian at Lim Kok Wing University and Mont Kiara International School as well as the Russian and Kazakhstan Embassies.
When her twins were born, she became a full time housewife.
Antonina understands how easily small discomforts can snowball into bigger issues for her daughters.
“A gymnast’s feet are their foundation. Every pivot, leap and landing begins there,” she explains. “During childhood, bones and ligaments are still forming. Poorly fitted half-shoes may cause long-term misalignment and pain.”
It’s a detail many parents might overlook – until their child starts limping, avoiding certain moves or coming home in tears.
Antonina encourages parents to stay observant.
“If you see redness, blisters or hear them complain about pain, don’t ignore it. Half-shoes should feel like a second skin – snug, but never too tight.”
She believes that comfort and confidence are connected. “When children feel safe and supported, they perform with freedom,” she says.
“Confidence isn’t just mental; it’s physical. When the feet are happy, the spirit follows.”
During childhood, bones and ligaments are still forming. Well-fitting, comfortable half-shoes help prevent long-term misalignment and pain for gymnasts' feet, says Antonina.
One of Antonina’s favourite initiatives involves recycling used half-shoes into small pillows for gymnasts.
“It came from the thought that every pair tells a story,” she shares. “These shoes go through so many hours of training, so it felt wrong to just throw them away.”
The idea captures Antonina’s philosophy perfectly: sustainability isn’t just about the planet; it’s about gratitude and respect for the journey each child undertakes.
She’s also careful to keep her products affordable.
“Sustainability, to me, also means being socially responsible,” she says. “It’s not just about materials – it’s about making sure every parent can access quality without breaking the bank.”
Antonina (centre) with her daughters Sofya (left) and Sonya.
In the close-knit world of rhythmic gymnastics, Antonina has become a familiar presence.
She often spends time adjusting leotards, sharing fabric tips, or simply listening to other parents’ worries.
“Gymnastics isn’t just about the athlete; it’s a family journey,” she says.
“When mothers share advice or help one another, it builds a circle of care that supports not just the sport, but the girls’ well-being too.”
That sense of connection is what keeps her going, especially when she hears from families whose children no longer dread training sessions.
“One little girl once hugged me and said, ‘My feet don’t hurt anymore’. I’ll never forget that moment,” Antonina recalls.
Tonya Twins has grown steadily – though Antonina insists the heart of it remains the same.
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that love can scale,” she reflects. “When you build something from genuine care, people feel it and it can even cross borders.”
Her hopes for the next generation of gymnasts go beyond medals and trophies.
“I want them to grow up in environments that celebrate both discipline and kindness,” she says.
“Gymnastics can be tough, but it should never break a child’s spirit.”
As for the future, Antonina is exploring new ideas – apparel and accessories that echo the same principles of comfort, durability and eco-conscious design. But she’s clear about what matters most: “Our core will always be the same – protecting little feet and empowering young athletes.”
