Russian twins on top in early qualifying rotations

Graceful: Ukraine’s Viktoriia Onopriienko in action in the individual all-around qualification event at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre. — AFP

TOKYO: Russian rhythmic gymnastics star Dina Averina topped Tokyo’s first two qualifying rotations with exquisite routines, turning acrobatic pirouettes and twisting delicately into her hoop to the sound of ACDC’s “Thunderstruck”.

An Olympic medal event since 1984, rhythmic gymnastics sees athletes perform mind-boggling contortions and manoeuvres to music while using hoops, balls, clubs or ribbons.