UAE gymnast Lamia Tariq Malallah celebrates on the podium after winning bronze at the International Emirates Cup.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Competing against an international field packed with world stars, UAE gymnast Lamia Tariq Malallah made the country proud once again after finishing on the podium in the 6th International Emirates Cup, which took place at the Danube Sports Complex in Dubai.

In the 2011 A Category, Lamia earned a grand total of 69.150 points to grab a spot on the podium. The best young gymnasts from Russia, Israel, Armenia, the USA, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Italy were in the fray at the three-day event.

Lamia, the nation’s only Emirati rhythmic gymnast, battled hard to take third place behind Russian gymnasts Elizaveta Kirey and Kira Lablochnikova.

Lablochnikova clinched the top honours with a total of 80.900 points, including a score of 25.000, a ball score of 27.250, and a club score of 28.650.

Kirey finished second with a hoop score of 23.350, a ball score of 24.550, and club score of 21.700, totaling 69.600.

With her forte being her artistry and elements, UAE’s little wonder performed with ease despite having to compete with gymnasts from Russia, a country that has a history of producing world and Olympic champions in the sport.

Lamia's presence on the podium as the sole member of the country’s national team signals that the UAE can also compete with the best in the sport.

She is now looking forward to her next FIG competition in Spain next month.

"We are grateful for the support of the UAE National Olympic Committee to select Lamia to represent the country and the General Sports Authority, which encourages Lamia to compete in more world games and raise the UAE flag," said Lamia’s father, Tariq Ali Abdullah Malallah.