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New world champion Aliya Mustafina of Russia will have only a few days of relaxation before heading back to the gym to prepare for more competition. Mustafina is scheduled to compete at the Italian Grand Prix next month in Cagliari and the Toyota Cup in December in Japan. ![]() 2010 world champion Aliya Mustafina of Russia "They'll give us a week to rest after that. But I'm not going to a resort — I'll stay at home with my parents. I've got studying to do," Mustafina told news agency "All Sport." After their historic victory last week in Rotterdam, the members of Russia's first world champion team arrived home Monday to congratulations from Russia's president. "You have demonstrated the highest level of training, excellent technique and real team spirit," Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in a telegram. "You were stronger than your opponents and your skill brought delight to gymnastics fans in our country and abroad. I am confident that you will continue to strive for new achievements and to represent Russia in international arenas. Good luck and prosperity to you." The Russian gymnasts landed at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport to a heroes' welcome, greeted by family, friends and camera crews. Mustafina was reunited with her family, including her gymnast sister, Nailya, and father, Farkhad, a two-time world champion and Olympic medalist in wrestling. During Wednesday's team final, Mustafina rallied Russia to a narrow victory over the U.S. after her teammates fell three times from uneven bars. It was the first world championships title for the Russian women's team, which had repeatedly fallen short since first competing as an independent nation. Following the team victory, Mustafina returned to win the all-around gold medal and three silvers in the event finals, where she was the first gymnast in 13 years to qualify to all four finals. Her only missed routine was a fall off balance beam in Sunday's event final. "The world championships were difficult," Mustafina told newspaper "Izvestia." "I needed to be on the podium almost all week long. I was scary tired. But I'm happy with how everything turned out." The gymnasts headed to their hometowns, while Muscovites Mustafina and Yekaterina Kurbatova attended more media events Monday night in the capital. Team member Tatiana Nabiyeva left for St. Petersburg, but will return to Moscow soon to train for next month's Massilia Cup in France. "Tanya, if you come back out of shape, watch out!" head coach Alexander Alexandrov told her with a wag of his finger, newspaper "Sovietsky Sport" reported. External Link: Video of Russian team arriving in Moscow Comments (13)
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