Azernews.Az

By Amina Nazarli

We have less than one week prior to the start of this year’s largest event. The whole country is looking forward to the start of the European Games to be held in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku for the first time in history.

Press service of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation concludes its interview project with gymnasts who represent Azerbaijan at the Games. Within the framework of this project, the federation presented its last interview with Rhythmic Gymnastics Group consisting of Siyana Vasileva, Sabina Abbasova, Diana Doman, Aynur Mustafayea and Aliaksandra Platonova.

Question: How did you turn to gymnastics? Why did you choose this sport?

Aliaksandra: Once when I was in a kindergarten, a small girl was demonstrating gymnastics exercises and I liked it very much. I asked my parents to take me to gymnastics section too.

Siyana: My mother is a coach in Rhythmic Gymnastics. I can say that I grew up in gymnastics hall.

Sabina: When I was five, my parents took me to gymnastics hall. At first, I was doing gymnastics just for my health, but, after, it became my lifestyle.

Aynur: In my childhood, I loved to watch gymnastics on TV. Therefore, my parents decided that it would be interesting for me to engage in gymnastics.

Diana: My mother is fond of gymnastics. I think this is the reason that I have engaged in gymnastics since I was 5.

Q.: Have you tried other sports? Could you display talent in other disciplines?

A: I think I could.

S: I have never thought about it. I have great respect for all other sports as I know that athletes make tremendous efforts to achieve desirable results.

Sa: Years later, I understood that this sport is all what I needed.

A: I think I could not succeed in any other sport as I am not interested in any.

D: It seems to me that if there was a desire, maybe, I could engage in some other sport as well.

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 think only about my performance and do my coach’s instructions.

S: There is no secret. If you train hard, you will succeed. The main thing is to believe in it.

Sa: I am trying to be optimistic from early morning and not to think about bad things.

A: I am trying to concentrate and tell myself that everything will be fine.

D: I have no special secret. One just need to control his/her emotions.

Q.: What is the key to success in any sport?

A: Discipline, desire, patience and hard work.

S: The most important thing is desire. If you want to shine, you should be on fire.

Sa: Willpower

A: Goal which every athlete should have.

D: Willpower and desire is the most important thing for all sports disciplines.

Q.: How dangerous is it to be engaged in professional sports, or does it depend on the sport?

Al: Injury occurs in every sport. But there are sports where the risk is higher than in gymnastics.

S: Risk presents in any sports, and gymnastics is not an exception.

Sa: Of course, it depends on sports discipline. However, I think that gymnastics is more graceful sports rather than dangerous.

A: Every professional sportsman can have an injury.

D: Every athlete can sustain an injury. To avoid this, you should be very careful during trainings.

Q.: Do you have a sport's idol?

Al: Yes, I have. Yevgeniya Kanaeva is my idol.

S: To be honest I do not have an idol. Every gymnast has its own spark.

Sa: When I was a child, I liked to watch performances of Irina Chashina.

A: I do not have an idol.

D: No.

Q.: Tell us about your plans for the near future

Al: First of all, it is the European Games. And, then, we would like to get a license for the Olympic Games at the World Championships.

S: Right now, we are preparing for the European Games and for the World Championships qualifying for the Olympic Games.

Sa: Of course, the European Games followed by the Olympic Games.

A: We would like to demonstrate successful performances at the European Games, and, then, qualify for the Olympic Games.

D: Now, we are preparing for the European Games. After the Games, there are the World Championships and Olympic Games.

Q.: What do the European Games mean for you and how do you prepare for them?

Al: For me this is a very responsible event as these Games to be held in our country and equal to the Olympic Games.

S: The European Games are one of the most important events in my sports career. I am very proud that these Games will be held in Baku.

Sa: These Games are equal to the Olympic Games for me. And, I feel double responsibility as it takes place in my homeland.

A: The Games will be held for the first time, and, I am very proud that I will perform there.

D: First goal is the European Games. Then, we will move further.

Q.: If we move a little bit away from sport - do you have any aspirations or dreams that you want to achieve?

Al: Now, I have only one dream which is to experience a parachute jump

S: Of course, I have. My dream is to study psychology and help people.

Sa: I have no idea about my future out of sport yet.

A: Yes, I have.

D: I do not want to go ahead and I am trying to think only about the Games now.

Q.: Are you able to combine sport with normal life?

Al: My life is sport.

S: Yes, if you try. I enjoy going out with my friends and having fun. I like to read books as well.

Sa: Just sometimes.

A: Unfortunately, we do not have enough time.

D: No time and strength for it.

Q.: Tell us about your family.

Al: My mother sews gymnastics leotards and she is also an accountant. My father is a general director at the large company engaged in producing foodstuff. I also have a brother who goes to school.

S: Me, my mother and my father are sports family except my younger sister. She differs from us a little bit. She did not want to engage in any sports.

Sa: My father is a retired officer. My mother is a teacher at infant school, I have a brother who is a medical officer.

A: I have a small family. Me, my father and my mother.

D: My parents live in Estonia. My older brother lives in Denmark.

Do you have a beloved one?

Al: No

S: No

Sa: I do not have enough time for my private life.

A: I do not have.

D: I do not have enough time for my private life.

Q.: What do your fans usually shout, and what do you want to hear from them?

Al: “Go ahead Azerbaijan!”

S: They cheer us differently.

Sa: As we are performing as a team, it is usually “Azerbaijan go ahead!”

A: “You can do it. You will succeed.”

D: They usually cheer like “Azerbaijan go ahead”.

Q.: What would you like to tell them?

Al: Your support helps us a lot. It gives us support and stimulus to win.

S: I would like to express my gratitude to our fans! We always need is your support.

Sa: Please support us as it encourages and inspires us to win.

A: “We need your support”.

D: I would like to say them thank you! Your support always helps us!”

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli

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