Amina zaripova clubs of america

Amina Zaripova emerged as Russia's top rhythmic athlete.

Amina zaripova clubs of america

Her legendary flexibility and signature style quickly made her a fan favorite.

Born in Uzbekistan, Zaripova moved with coach Irina Viner to Moscow to train. A late bloomer, Zaripova didn't enter the gym until age 10.

Though she has never earned world all-around gold (she was 2nd in '94), Zaripova can claim several individual titles -- most notably with her best events, ball & clubs.

Her best meet was the 1994 Goodwill Games, where she claimed the all-around and three of the four event golds (all but ribbon).

In the mid-1990s, Zaripova began to feel pressure from talented teammate Yanina Batryshina, who finished 2nd at the 1996 Olympics -- two places ahead of the older Zaripova.

In 1997, Zaripova underwent surgery for a torn Achilles tendon and, in late 1998, announced her retirement from the sport saying she was "too tired" to continue.

But Zaripova wasn't quite finished.

Despite fac