Ukraine gymnastics Sportsworld 9 March 09

Al Jazeera s Matt Rumsey reports from Ukraine, where the country s proud Olympic tradition in rhythmic gymnastics is being upheld by thousands of young girls in the face of economic hardship, gruelling training regimes and the sport s cutthroat politics. World champion Anna Bessanova controversially missed out on gold at last year s Beijing Olympics, but says she has no bitterness as feuds rage over judging standards. For more sports news and features go to