Oksana Chusovitina has finished competing at the Tokyo Olympics. Chusovitina placed 14th on vault, two spots behind the first reserve for the final. She started crying after her vaults but told journalists the reason for crying was joy, not sadness over not making the final.
Q: You started crying after your vaults. Why?
A: My tears weren’t because of the results. I was emotional because it’s all over. You know, I’ve been preparing for this but, turns out, you can’t fully prepare. When you say goodbye to the sport, it’s sad and it’s a pity.
Q: What did you feel when everyone at the arena started applauding you?
A: It felt very nice! Many thought that I started crying because I didn’t make the final but those were joyful tears because so many people support me. It was joy. It’s really nice that so many people cheer for you, support you and are always by your side.
Q: Does that mean you’re completely sure it’s over?
A: Yes.
Q: But why? Nino Salukvadze [an Olympic shooter] went to nine Olympics.
A: Well, she didn’t go to nine Olympics as an artistic gymnast. It requires a bit more [than shooting]. I definitely said I’m done and I won’t revisit that. Perhaps, I’ll work out a bit somewhere in the corner at home. But today I’ll put on a dress, will be all pretty, and then will go to sauna.
Q: What can potentially affect your decision? Perhaps, you can still come back?
A: Friends, I’m 46 years old. Nothing can be changed already.
Q: Would you have wanted to see full stands today?
A: Yes, very much. I’ll have to skip the 2024 Games in Paris and go to Los Angeles – 2028 so that everyone would applaud me there. [laughs]
Q: What is the secret of your longevity in the sport? Can you share it with younger gymnasts?
A: You know, there’s no secret. I’ve talked about it many times. I just really love gymnastics, I just enjoy doing it.
Q: How did artistic gymnastics change throughout your career? Do you like what’s going on with women’s gymnastics now?
A: Elements became somewhat more difficult but the equipment is also better now. When we were 15 years old, we were doing almost all these elements. Judging became stricter, that’s true. So, it’s a pity when gymnasts do such difficult routines without falls and get such low scores! My heart bleeds for them!
Q: Looking back, what are the most memorable moments [of your career]?
A: You know, there were good moments and bad ones. If I could come back, I would really want for my child not to get sick. But I would have gladly repeated the rest.
Q: You’ve spent your whole life in gymnastics. Do you know what you’re going to do now?
A: Oh, of course, I have so much to do! First of all, I’ll work as a wife for a bit, I’ll take care of my son, he’s starting university. Second, I’m opening a gym in Tashkent and will work on bringing the youth to do sports. It won’t be just artistic gymnastics there, I just want to bring as many kids and youth as possible to do sports. So, I have major plans, need to manage to do everything. I stayed a bit long in gymnastics, don’t have much time now. [laughs]
Q: The moment when you said goodbye to the sport with tears in your eyes at the arena was amazing. Would these Olympics be even more memorable if you had a chance to carry the flag at the opening ceremony?
A: You know, it’s all over and I don’t care anymore. I’m happy that I competed and I’m done. It was meant to be this way.
Q: Did you get any explanations about what happened?
A: Let’s not tarnish such a good retirement with this situation. It was meant to be. Everything is for the best.
Q: Have someone tried to persuade you not to retire?
A: Noooo. You know, many fans write to me that it’s a pity I’m retiring. But I think they understand that I have a kid and it’s become much harder to train and recover. I already feel that, so it’s time to retire.
Q: Have you already gotten any offers to become one of the of coaches for some national teams?
A: No, I don’t want to be a coach. It’s a hellish job. I’ve been in this sport for so long and I know what it means to be a coach, so I don’t want it. I want to be a happy person.
Q: You’ve seen many Olympics. Were the Tokyo Olympics the weirdest Games you’ve participated in?
A: Yes, definitely. You know, sometimes it seems that you’re more scared of a COVID test than of competing. I think these tests derail athletes a bit.
Q: Which team will you cheer for? Who do you like the most out of current gymnasts?
A: Oh, there are so many gymnasts I like. I can’t single anyone out. I’m cheering for everyone, it’s a sport. I hope that no one gets injured and the strongest wins.
[according to the interviewer, while Chusovitina’s answer was translated to English for the English-speaking journalists, she gestured to the Russian-speaking journalists that she will actually cheer for Russia and then continued speaking in Russian just for them]
A: Well, you got that, right? It was a major surprise for me that the Russian team is leading the qualification. I wish the girls the best. And the most important things is no injuries, so that everyone will stay safe and sound!
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