Petr Pakhnyuk: I am preparing for European Games unsparingly

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

122 days are left to the official opening of the first European Games in Baku, which will bring together approximately 6,000 strongest athletes of the continent. Some 20 sports, including men’s artistic gymnastics will be included in this major sporting event.

Based on law of the event, only three athletes can represent their country in men's artistic gymnastics.

This time, the press service of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation presents interview with Petr Pakhnyuk, another possible member of our team in the European Games.


Question: How did you turn to gymnastics? Why did you choose this sport?
Answer: Well, my dad took me to the gym and my mother took me to a music school. I have chosen gymnastics because I did not like to sit in one place.

Q: Could you have a good performance in other sports?
A: In my spare time, I engage in other sports. So, I think I can have a good performance in another sport.

Q: What do you think is the most important in any sport?
A: It is difficult to identify the most important thing. Any professional sport requires a set of qualities – endurance, physical strength, patience, character, hardworking ... This list could go on, but if one wishes and loves his/her work, all these nuances need to be taken seriously.

Q: How do you deal with the emotions on a competition day? Are there any special secrets for self-control?
A: I always perform quietly; it depends on my preparation. A good preparation is the special and important secret you are talking about.

Q: How dangerous is it to be engaged in professional sports, or it depends on the sport?
A: Of course, it depends on the sport. Gymnastics is a traumatic one so every workout requires maximum concentration.

Q: Do you have an idol in your sport life?
A: No, I don't.

Q: Tell us about your future plans in sport.
A: I am looking forward to the competitions. I would like to perform and perform well.

Q: What do European Games mean for you and how do you prepare for them?
A: For me, the games are very serious, so I’m preparing myself seriously. I want to show a good result.

Q: If you stay a little bit away from the sport, do you have any aspirations or dreams that you want to implement?
A: Of course, there are certain goals and aspirations, as life after sport should be no less interesting!

Q: Are you able to combine sport with normal life?
A: I'm in the sport for a long time and this lifestyle has become normal for me.

Q: Tell us about your family.
A: I have a small, close-knit family, father, mother and sister. My father is a military man, my mother is a housewife and my sister works in the prosecutor's office – she is very smart unlike me (laughing).

Q: Do you have a loved one?
A: It's too personal.

Q: What do your fans usually shout, and what you like to hear from them?
A: During the competition, I only try not to be distracted. I try to be concentrated on my work.

Q: What would you like to tell them?
A: Cheer loudly and love gymnastics!