Sofia Raffaeli wins all-around gold at 2022 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships and secures Olympic qualification for Italy.
On Saturday, the 18-year-old captured the all-around title at the 2022 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships inside Armeets Arena, Bulgaria. In total, Sofia Raffaeli captured five individual medals, four of them gold, in the city whose name she bears.
“It means very, very much because this medal is for Italy… for my family, for my coaches,” said Raffaeli. “I am so happy for this.”
Across the four apparatus – ball, ribbon, clubs and hoop – Sofia Raffaeli totalled 133.250. Germany’s Darja Varfolomeev (132.450) was the silver medallist, while Bulgaria’s Stiliana Nikolova (128.800) took the bronze.
“[Going to Paris,] it’s my dream. I will be trying these next two years to work to improve myself so I can arrive strong at the Olympics and the World Championships next year,” said Raffaeli.
The 2024 Olympics are being held in Paris, France.
In the Italian record books
Raffaeli’s win makes her the first Italian to win the world all-around title and or a medal of any colour in the all-around final.
“I think after the ball, I didn’t know if I had won or not. When the score arrived, I was very happy,” said Raffaeli. “I am very excited for this medal.”
