Mixed pair on aerobics: Only one goal, European Games

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

The first European Games in Baku will be remembered as representing several non-Olympic disciplines, including aerobics - a type of gymnastics.

The competition program in this sport is the arbitrary exercise under dynamic music, in which athletes demonstrate repeated high-intensity and complex acyclic movements with complex coordination, as well as various elements of complexity.

Based on the format of the European Games, in aerobics, each country will be represented by a group of five people and a mixed pair. Probably, a few people would realize how difficult it is to perform in a group or as a pair - because in that case you have to feel and literally read out each other's thoughts.

The press service of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation presents interview with Anastasia Koltunova and Vladimir Dolmatov, who will represent our country as the mixed pair.

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

Anastasia: I went to gymnastics when I was 10 which is quite late for this sport. It was my conscious choice - "to connect my life with the sport." Aerobics attracted me with its diversity, because it has elements of artistic and rhythmic gymnastics and acrobatics. In addition, the entire program is carried out with music and high dynamics.

Vladimir: It was an accident. December 15, 2004 I was very bored sitting at home, because my sister at that moment was engaged in aerobics attending training courses. So I decided to go along with her, and now I don’t regret choosing this sport.

Q.: Can you have a good performance in other sport?

Anastasia: I think it is possible to achieve high results in any other sport, if you wish.

Vladimir: I can not say exactly, but I think I could be a high-class athlete in other sports. It could be acrobatics or gymnastics, but the choice is made - I love aerobics!

Q.: How do you deal with the emotions on the day of competition? Are there any special secrets of self-control?

Anastasia: Music helps manage the emotions on the competition day.

Vladimir: I just imagine that I'm in a training session and except for me and the coach there is no one in the room.

Q.: What do you think is the most important in any sport?

Anastasia: In sport, the main thing is desire, you need to set a goal and go for it, no matter what it is.

Vladimir: A goal and a great desire to achieve this goal! And then everything will come.

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

Anastasia: It is impossible to avoid injuries in any sport. To avoid injuries an athlete must ensure his or her well-being.

Vladimir: Every sport is dangerous in its own way. But if one approaches the matter mindfully, it can be done without injury.

Q.: Do you have an idol in the sport?

Anastasia: Do not make an idol of yourself, whether in the shape of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters under the earth.

Vladimir: I have no one to equal myself to and do not try to reach heights the other athletes reached. I have my own way.

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

Anastasia: At the moment, we are intensely preparing for the European Games.

Vladimir: The plans are to adequately perform at the European Games.

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

Anastasia: For me the European Games is the most important event, it is an honor for me to participate in such a large-scale event.

Vladimir: The Games is a chance for me to prove myself. Being patient, I will gain all that I want.

Q.: If you stay a little bit away from the sport - do you have any aspirations or dreams that you want to implement?

Anastasia: Most of my dreams are connected with the sport. I dream to achieve high results in aerobics.

Vladimir: At the moment I have only one goal - the European Games.

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

Anastasia: For me, my whole life is summarized in sport.

Vladimir: No. I can pull my weight only to one thing. It is impossible to combine two things.

Q.: Tell us about your family.

Anastasia: In my family there was no athlete, but they are proud of my success in sport and support me and my choice.

Vladimir: I have a sporting family. My mother and sister are fitness instructors. My father is instructor in the gym. Only my brother chose technology. He is a programmer, but I am sure that he could become a good athlete.

Q.: Do you have a loved one?

Anastasia: I have a loved one. He helps me cope with difficulties in sport, gives me moral support and understands that I need to be constantly on trip.

Vladimir: Yes, I have.

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

Anastasia: At the competition it is not so important what the fans scream, any support helps me gather strength and perform adequately.

Vladimir: We need support in all form.

Q.: What would you like to tell them?

Anastasia: I would like to thank all my fans. Their support is important to me.

Vladimir: Thank you all.