European Games, good step for development of acrobatics

/By AzerNews/

By Amina Nazarli

Less than one hundred days left until the European Games! The Games will bring together estimated 6,000 strongest athletes. 20 sports will be represented during the event; acrobatics (mixed pairs and women's groups who will compete for six sets of medals) being one of them.

Uliana Diakova and Anatoliy Leonov - mixed pair team - both hope to qualify. They have already won two gold and one silver medal during the Open Joint Azerbaijan Championships in gymnastics disciplines, which was held in Baku on March 4-6.

The press service of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation interviewed the athletes.

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

Uliana: I was led to acrobatics when I was 11 years old. Before that I took dance lessons. Then I was advised to try gymnastics and I immediately liked it. Therefore, I decided to stay.
Anatoliy: I got involved in gymnastics a long time ago. In school they said it was necessary to do something. The children were told that there is a section of acrobatics. Then I just came in and liked it. Two years later I decided I wanted to pursue acrobatics.

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

U.: As a child, I wanted to get involved in diving and swimming, but I did not follow those disciplines.
A.: Maybe I would have been able to. In my childhood, I loved karate and other martial arts.

Q: How do you deal with your emotions during competitions? Do you have any special tricks or techniques to stay in control?

U.: I always feel very nervous before my performances. I tell myself that everything will be fine, that everything has been done many times before and that my hard work will pay off. I try to give myself confidence.
A.: I have a lot of experience. I've been in acrobatics for 20 years. I was excited when I was a little child. Now, I don’t get as nervous. I know what I need to do and there is no excitement. I concentrate to not to forget my routine and then I go. This is the most important thing.

Q: What is the key to success in sport for you?

U.: The ability to concentrate.
A.: The ability to pay attention to details. This is how you can progress.

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

U.: I think that there is no danger when done sensibly. One needs to think about every move and control oneself. It is necessary to set up and draw conclusions from mistakes.
A.: I think it all depends on the coach. If he is a good specialist, does the job right, then you will not be injured. Fortunately, in my career, I had no serious injuries.

Q: Do you have a sport's idol?

U.: I have no idols.
A.: I always tell myself: "you should not idolize anyone". In other sports, there can be an idol, but there is no idol in acrobatics.

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

U.: Before European Games, we will go to the World Cup to be held in Bulgaria and then we will train very hard for the Games.
A.: We do not have any plans beyond the European Games. However, we are preparing for the European Championships this October in mind.

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

U.: I think that the European Games is a very large competition, the scale of which is amazing. Everyone knows about the European Games, about disciplines. Everyone feels the Games will be successful and, even now, on a test event there were many fans. At the European Games, there will be 10 times more people. I think that these events can be compared with the Olympics Games.
A.: People have no clue what acrobatics is. EG is a good step for the development of this sport. This event helps very much to promote it. Everyone begin to learn about this sport.

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

U.: I want to finish 9th grade.
A.: I want only one thing - to win the European Games.

Q: Are you able to have a normal life beyond sport?

U.: It can be difficult. However, it is worth it (laughing). We have to leave our school bag to run to the gym.
A.: I have been working as a photographer in my spare time. I train for three to four hours per day and then I do everything I like. It is not so hard for me to have a good balance. Thanks to my wife ... she understands me and supports me.

Q: Tell us about your family.

U.: First mom and dad did not understand why I went to acrobatics. They wanted me to drop it. Now they support me, they've seen my progress. They are pleased when I take medals.
A.: My wife is always there with me. She is a photographer and takes our photos. She could not come to the test event, even though she really wanted to.

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

U.: When looking to Azerbaijani athletes, when I heard and saw how everyone was supporting them, I wished we had the same support. Then it turned out that we were also supported, although not to the same level. We are very pleased when all of you are rooting for us, wishing us good luck.
A.: It inspires us a lot. We heard screaming, but we do not always understand what is happening.

Q: What would you like to tell them?

U.: Many thanks to all those who support us. We are very pleased to know that in our country great attention is paid.
A.: I want to thank you for coming. I want you to come with friends and family to the European Games.