The South American children's and youth artistic gymnastics championship, which has been taking place in Cúcuta, Colombia, since last Thursday (September 15.09), features four Flamengo athletes. Rebeca Rodrigues and Milena Teodoro are part of the Brazilian children's team, which is led by coach Keli Kitaura, also a Flamengo fan. In the youth team, Lorrane dos Santos and Isabele Cristina, accompanied by coach Viviane Cardoso, will represent the team from Gávea.

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A team gold medalist in the all-around and in three of the four apparatuses in the same championship in 2010, Rebeca hopes to return home this year as the absolute champion, with all six gold medals from the competition.

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"I won six gold medals at this year's Brazilian Championships, and I hope to repeat that performance in Colombia. I know it's difficult, but I'm confident," said the gymnast, who is only 12 years old and is one of the sport's greatest prospects in Brazil.

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Milena Teodoro also intends to do well in her first competition wearing Brazilian colors.

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"I'm quite nervous, but also very excited. It's going to be my first championship with the national team and I hope to do well, especially on the balance beam," she revealed.

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The South American competitions begin on Saturday (17.09) and continue until Sunday (18.09). Thursday (15.09) and Friday (16.09) were reserved for training.

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