Arina Ten: On Sport and Motherhood
Updated: Jul 4
Arina Ten first discovered rhythmic gymnastics at the age of five, after seeing a video of Irina Tchachina on television. For several months, she begged her mother to take her to a rhythmic gymnastics class. Initially, Arina's mother was hesitant, not wanting her to become a professional athlete. However, eventually she agreed, hoping that Arina would find the training too difficult and lose interest.
However, in Arina's first training session, she was able ot brige and her coach saw potential in her. From the age of five until sixteen, she competed in both individual and group rhythmic gymnastics, before switching to aesthetic group gymnastics, from sixteen until the age of twenty.
From 2013 until 2017, she competed for the Russian aesthetic group gymnastics team “Expressia.” During that time, her team won the World Championship, World Cup, European Cup, and Russian Cup titles. In 2021, Arina was awarded the title of Honoured Master of Sport of Russia, one of the highest distinctions an athlete can receive in Russia.
Throughout her career, she trained alongside some of the world's most decorated gymnasts, like Margarita Mamun and Yana Kudryavtseva, among others.
After retiring in 2017, eight years away from sport, and having a daughter, Arina made the decision to return to rhythmic gymnastics, now representing Spain.
How old were you when you started competing again, and what inspired you to return?
“Having worked with children for more than ten years, I always dreamed that one day my daughter would become an Olympic
champion and that I would be her coach. When my daughter Amelia was born, I was 28 years old, and I felt a renewed sense of strength and motivation. I became deeply inspired to return to gymnastics, not only to be an example for my daughter, but also to show women and mothers that they are still full of potential and capable of achieving remarkable things after having children.”
What misconceptions do you think exist about age in gymnastics? Do you think the belief that gymnasts need to retire young is outdated?
“I absolutely believe that the idea that gymnasts must retire young is outdated. Everything depends on physical condition, overall health, and the absence of serious injuries. If an athlete has the opportunity to continue competing, I believe she should embrace it. Sport is incredibly beneficial not only for health, but also for confidence, well-being, and quality of life.
Competing on the same floor as younger gymnasts almost makes me feel younger myself. It reconnects me with the excitement and joy of my youth. I also feel tremendous support from spectators, which reinforces my belief that there should be no age limits in our beloved sport.”
You already had years of elite experience before returning, but do you think someone can start rhythmic gymnastics later, with little or no prior experience?
“My mission is to show women that they can achieve their goals at any age and accomplish things that make both themselves and their families proud. I want women to feel vibrant, fulfilled, and happy. Sport is a powerful tool for self-realization. At the same time, I recognize that reaching the highest levels in rhythmic gymnastics requires specific physical qualities that can be more challenging to develop later in life.”
How do you think motherhood has changed you, both personally and as an athlete?
“I believe that becoming a mother gives a woman incredible confidence and a profound sense of achievement. The key is to recognize that strength and channel it into personal growth and new ambitions. That mindset helps overcome the temporary challenges that come with motherhood and new responsibilities.”
How do you balance training, recovery, being a mother, and maintaining friendships or relationships?
“Balancing elite sport, coaching, and family life is certainly demanding. Training and daily responsibilities place a significant burden on any family. However, I work hard to create balance, and I am ver
y grateful for the support of my husband. We live in Spain without nannies or outside assistance, so we truly work together as a team in raising Amelia."
"My daughter spends a lot of her time with me. She trains alongside the girls in the gym and accompanies me while I train myself or coach other athletes. Gymnastics has naturally become part of her everyday life.”
In gymnastics, there is often a strong focus on the body and appearance. Did your relationship with your body change at all after pregnancy and childbirth?
In gymnastics, appearance has traditionally been important, and of course, I have a certain image of what a gymnast looks like. However, appearance is not the most important quality of an athlete. What truly matters is technical excellence, clean execution, and the emotions a gymnast brings to the audience.
Pregnancy and childbirth have a significant impact on the body. They affect flexibility, elasticity, jumping ability, and physical appearance, while also increasing the risk of injuries. At the same time, I have noticed positive changes in some aspects of my physical condition since becoming a mother. I work extremely hard to regain and maintain my flexibility because the long break from training and the physiological changes after childbirth create additional challenges.”
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future?
“My ideal future would be to continue finding the strength and opportunity to train and compete, ultimately fulfilling my dream of participating in competitions alongside my daughter. After that, I would like to focus more fully on coaching and supporting Amelia in her own athletic journey.
At the same time, I see another important mission for myself: promoting women’s sport among former athletes and supporting women who have built families but may feel that they have lost part of themselves along the way. I want to inspire them through my own example and show that it is never too late to rediscover your ambitions, pursue new goals, and create a life that brings joy and fulfillment.”
