Want to get in top ten at Baku 2015, says national gymnast
By Amina Nazarli
Baku is just two weeks away from the 1st European Games commencing in the city on June 12-28.
The significant sporting event will gather over 6,000 athletes from 50 countries to compete in 20 sports, including 16 Olympic. The Games, organized on the initiative of the European Olympic Committee, will be held every four years.
Rhythmic Gymnastics, which is the most popular and favorite gymnastic discipline for Azerbaijani audience, will be represented by a young and talented gymnast Ayshan Bayramova along with a senior team in group exercises and an individual gymnast Marina Durunda.
At the very last moment, Ayshan has replaced Gulsum Shafizada, who, unfortunately, cannot take part in Rhythmic Gymnastics competitions due to the injury sustained.
Traditionally, the press service of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation conducted an interview with gymnasts, this time talked with Ayshan.
Question: How did you turn to gymnastics? Why did you choose this sport?
Answer: I started to engage in gymnastics when I was six and it became my favorite discipline. I joined the Azerbaijani national team at the age of 14.
Q.: Have you tried other sports? Did you display talent in other disciplines?
A: It is hard to say… I used to go swimming. To be honest, I had some progress but I did not enjoy it (laughing). I also played handball but the result was the same.
Q.: How do you deal with your emotions during competitions? Do you have any special tricks or techniques to help you stay in control?
A: I am trying to concentrate on my performance. For me, there is no secret – secret is the complete concentration on what I am doing.
Q.: What is the key to success in any sport?
A: It is necessary to protect yourself against injury, work hard and go towards your aim, and never give up!
Q.: How dangerous is it to be engaged in professional sports, or does it depend on the sport?
A: Injury could happen suddenly, no one is ensured. Yes, we are taught to fall in a safe way to avoid injuries, but if you make a mistake, it can cause a very serious injury.
Q.: Do you have a sport's idol?
A: When I was a child, it was Alina Kabayeva but I do not have any idols now. I think that Yana Kudryavtseva is simply an ideal gymnast.
Q.: Tell us about your plans for the near future
A: I would like to be ranked among the best 10 gymnasts at the European Games. And, then, if I take part in the World Championships, I wish to be among the top 24 athletes.
Q.: What do the European Games mean for you and how do you prepare for them?
A: I was very happy to hear that I would represent my country at such a large-scale competition. Now, I feel very big responsibility. I would just like to demonstrate worthy performance.
Q.: If we move a little bit away from sport - do you have any aspirations or dreams that you want to achieve?
A: To be honest, I have not thought about it yet.
Q.: Are you able to combine sport with normal life?
A: It is possible on Sundays, and probably on Thursdays when we have half-day training (laughing).
Q.: Tell us about your family.
A: My mother is fond of sports, especially Rhythmic Gymnastics. I have a twin sister - Turkan. I also have a younger brother. His name is Sarkhan. He used to engage in Acrobatic Gymnastics, but then he left for judo.
Q.: Do you have a loved one?
A: No, I do not have any time (laughing).
Q.: What do your fans usually shout, and what do you want to hear from them?
A: They usually cheer: "Ayshan go ahead! You can do it”.
Q.: What would you like to tell them?
A: Thank you for your support!
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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @amina_nazarli
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