Wednesday morning (5) was a day of intense training for artistic gymnastics. Performing open training for the press at the Cláudio Coutinho gymnasium, the red-and-black athletes showed a bit of their intense preparation. Also present were gymnasts Flávia Saraiva and Jade Barbosa, two of the biggest names in the sport today.

Flávia Saraiva, who qualified for the Brazilian delegation that will compete in the Pan-American Specialists Championship, will compete in her first Brazilian Championship wearing Flamengo's colors.

"I was very happy to earn this spot at the Pan American Games. I was training hard for the trials and qualified on the balance beam and floor exercise. It was really cool because it will be another Pan American Games and the first one I've been to as part of the specialist team. I hope to do very well and I'm very happy to be there representing the National Team," said Flávia.

The gymnast also commented on her expectations for her first Brazilian Championship with Mais Querido. "I'm very excited to represent Flamengo and I hope to do well, as it will also serve as qualification for the World Cup. I want to help the club and the national team. I want to do well, and I hope the whole team does well," concluded Flavinha.

 For Jade Barbosa, competing in the national competition is always very important. "I'm very happy to be able to compete in the Brazilian Championship, because it's a tournament where, although we know we need to stay focused, we come together as a club and have time to enjoy ourselves. Although we need results, the atmosphere is very good and not too stressful. The teams interact a lot; it's a celebration of sport," she said.

Representing Brazil at Rio 2016, the gymnast spoke about life after the Olympics. "The post-Olympic year is always difficult for athletes, but we at Flamengo are very lucky to be at a club that embraces sports. However, many other gymnasts aren't doing so well. Fortunately, artistic gymnastics has managed to remain well-structured after the Games," commented Jade.

The Brazilian Artistic Gymnastics Championships will begin in August and will feature the participation of the red-and-black athletes, who continue their daily training at the Cláudio Coutinho gymnasium. The competition will feature team and individual competitions and will be held in São Paulo.