“You’re not a human being, you’re an athlete,” 20-year-old Rita is reprimanded by one of her coaches as she’s preparing to represent Russia at the Olympics in Brazil. However gracefully Rita catches rings or rolls a ball, the coaches always expect more from her. The film Over the Limit exposes the merciless Russian athlete training system, and the subtle editing and effective sound design allows us to sense Rita’s state of mind. Is the superhuman effort really worth it?

Women’s rhythmic gymnastics has been an Olympic event since 1952. From that time the Soviet and later Russian gymnasts have medalled in practically every Olympic games and World Championships. Irina Viner is one of the all-time most successful rhythmic gymnastics coaches – her trainees have received 16 medals in 6 Olympic games, 10 of them gold.