By Alona Cochon
RICCIONE, Italy – Milan-based Filipina gymnast Kyla Mendoza continued her stellar performance after bagging a silver medal in the all-around finals of the Finale Nazionale del Campionato Ritmica Europa in Riccione, Italy on May 25.
The 15-year-old dazzled judges and spectators alike with her precision, elegance, and maturity beyond her years, proving that she’s one of the brightest young stars in rhythmic gymnastics.
Mendoza is coming off her remarkable debut in the 16th Senior Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Singapore on May 16-18.
“When I found out I was going to the Asian Championships in Singapore, I was overwhelmed with joy,” Mendoza recalled in an interview.
“The first time I stepped onto the podium for the test event, I felt a mix of emotions – fear, excitement, pride. It was something I never expected would come true. It had been a dream shared between me and my mother.”
She credited her coach, Olga Derina, as a key figure in her calm and focused performance at the Asian Championships and in the Finale Nazionale del Campionato Ritmico Europa.
“She was there to reassure me before every performance. Without her support, I think I would’ve panicked,” she said.
Mendoza also thanked her mother, Jenny; father, Ronald; and sister Krystel, along with her entire Dea Rhythmic family.
“This was the best experience of my life so far. I would do it all over again if I could,” she said.
Mendoza now sets her sights on an even bigger stage, as she returned to training to represent the Philippines along with senior gymnast Jasmine Ramilo at the 2025 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup set to be held in Milan on July 15-17. (PNA)
