Here in Israel, 250 female gymnasts from 26 countries were given the opportunity to prepare for the world gymnastics competition to be held in Moscow.

The gymnasts competed with four instruments: a rope, a hoop, a ball and a ribbon.

In the ribbon instrument section, the third place winner was an Israeli.

[Irina Risenzon, Olympic Gymnast Champion of Israel]:
"This competition had proven to me that I am capable of being here. If you ask me specifically, two weeks ago I was injured and was not sure if I would compete. But because I have respect for Israel and I want to succeed, as they say: 'it's all in the mind!'. And the injuries get healed if you want them to."

Irina Risenzon reached the finals in the 9th Olympics held in Beijing.

Gymnasts must have dedication and discipline to succeed.

[Ira Vigdorchik, Israel's Olympic Coach]:
"This is an absolute giving of childhood and youth for something transcendent and beautiful, amazing and patriotic! They begin to train at a very young age of four. At the age of six, we already know to separate them and know who will become a competitive athlete. At the age of 10, they are undergoing from 6 to 8 hours or even 10 hours of the most grueling training."

The competition began with a charming spectacle of the guest of honor, the former World champion, Anna Bessonova, who is considered to be a legend in the world of rhythmic gymnastics.

[Anna Bessonova, World champion]:
"I am a champion of the silver medal and an absolute world champion. But it's not exactly my goal of all my life, as I'm always trying to get audience's love, wishing them to remember me for a long time. I think it worked for me when I got medals. And when you are one of the best in the Olympics, then your name is already recorded in history."

The gymnasts entertained the crowd for hours.

Reporter: Lee Rom Photographer: Michael Ash
NTD, Israel