Roseville girl making her mark in rhythmic gymnastics

If you like rhythmic gymnastics, here's a name you might want to remember: Eva Ozhevan. The 11-year-old Roseville girl is regarded as one of the top rhythmic gymnasts in her age group in the United States. On June 7-8, Ozhevan traveled to West Palm Beach, Florida, and was one of top 72 gymnasts in the country to compete in the National Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships. Ozhevan finished third overall and placed first in the rope apparatus. She also placed eighth in the ribbon, 10th in the club and 22nd in the floor. "I was told by many coaches in Los Angeles and New York that Eva is the best level-6 gymnast in the United States," said her coach, Elena Bulanin. "I've been working with her since she began training here at my gym two and a half years ago. She trains five days a week. "Eva is hard-working, smart and dedicated. She's artistic. Rhythmic gymnastics also requires stability and coordination, but nothing without hard work. That's what makes great gymnasts." The rope is Ozhevan's best and favorite event. "It's pretty easy for me, but it's not easy for the other girls," she said. "I was happy to place third overall. That's good for an American gymnast." It was Ozhevan's first time competing at the national championships and it's the biggest event she's competed in, so to win the rope and finish third overall was a big deal. The California team placed first out of all the regions and Ozhevan was the team's top performer. "Eva was the best gymnast from the west; she placed first in the rope and took third overall so she's in the top three rhythmic gymnasts in her age group in America," Bulanin said. Ozhevan practices five days a week for 17 hours and she's been doing that at Bulanin's Rhythmic Gymnastic Club in Rocklin for the last 2½ years since moving to Roseville from Ukraine. She's been participating in rhythmic gymnastics since she was 5. "What I like best about rhythmic gymnastics is that all my coaches are super nice and all my friends are kind," Ozhevan said. "It's a very beautiful sport. It's very gentle, and I love it. I don't get tired of coming to practice." Ozhevan has won numerous competitions across California over the past 2½ years. Now she picked up a big podium finish at a national competition. Bulanin said she has a bright future in the sport. "I definitely want to win gold in the Olympic Games for America," Ozhevan said. "I don't think they've ever won gold before in the Olympics."