Oksana Chusovitina was preparing for the Asian Games in Azerbaijan and she gave an interview to Azerisport.com while in Baku. Chusovitina competed at Asian Games multiple times and, in the past, won medals on each event and in the all-around. In 2014, she had a minor injury and took silver on vault in Incheon.
Q: How is your training camp going and why did you choose Baku?
A: First of all, there are really good training conditions here. It’s possible to train in my native Uzbekistan but there are harder landing surfaces there and there’s a risk of injury. In addition, the sea is nearby in Baku and this gives a chance for a distraction while you’re training full time. When you get really tired you can just dive into the sea and recover. I really like it here, the people are very kind here. I want to thank Azerbaijan’s gymnastics federation for hosting me and creating the best conditions for the training camp. The preparation for the Asian Games is in full swing.
Q: During the recent World Cup you said that you are always happy to visit Baku because the warm atmosphere in the arena is similar to your native Uzbekistan. Are you even more sure about that similarity now?
A: Well, we don’t have the sea but other than that the people in both countries are very kind and responsive. All the issues are solved right away and that’s really nice.
Q: You’re probably combining training and rest now. Do you have any time to see the city?
A: I’m always trying to distract myself a bit while at training camps. Because if I’ll only stay in the gym and will think only about the training, this won’t be good for me. On the other hand, I can only allow myself the distraction if I finish the whole planned amount of training.
Q: You came to the camp with your pet. How do you manage to combine strict training schedule with caring for a pet?
A: You know, I’m happy that this Yorkshire terrier called Yoshka entered my life. My friends gave him to me as a present for the New Year, they said he’ll be my lucky charm, especially since it’s the year of the dog now. And you know, Yoshka structured my daily life because when I wake up I have to walk him. In some sense, he’s even helping me to prepare because I have to do everything according to the schedule.
Q: So, now the dog is your permanent companion on your trips?
A: Yes, I’ll try to bring him if it’s possible. And it gives some distraction when Yoshka’s with me.
Q: There was recently news that starting this season you plan to pay more attention to the all-around. Why is that?
A: Right now I’m training with the all-around competition in mind but I won’t compete all-around at every competition. There’s just no need right now. And the reason for that is because in order to qualify for the Olympics I’ll need to compete in the all-around at the World Championships. And if I won’t be able to qualify through World Cups, then I’ll have to show myself in the all-around competition at Worlds. So, I’ll need to be prepared for anything. In any case, at practices, I work on all four events.
Q: It’s possible to see the evolution of artistic gymnastics through your performances. If you look back, what were the most important changes in the sport?
A: The current sport became more difficult but I’m glad that more gymnasts who became mothers are coming back to gymnastics. There’s a higher number of older gymnasts but the difficulty of the routines grows as well. It’s hard to combine all that but it’s possible.
Q: I guess the Asian Games are the main competition of the season for you?
A: Yes, it’s a very important competition that takes place every four years like the Olympics. Unfortunately, we don’t have a women’s team and that’s why I will be the only representative from Uzbekistan at the WAG competition. But we have juniors, 13 and 14-year-old girls who will participate in senior competitions after the Tokyo Olympics. At least I really hope so.
Q: You always participate in big competitions in Baku. What is your opinion on the development of gymnastics in Azerbaijan?
A: Before I answer your question, I’d like to say that I dream about Uzbekistan hosting a big artistic gymnastics competition. And I hope that my dream will come true and the spectators will appreciate this beautiful sport. And I envy Azerbaijan because you organize the biggest gymnastics competitions and I’m really happy that the sport develops here so well.
Q: Can you say that your priority for the nearest future is to get to Tokyo, to your eighth Olympics?
A: I don’t want to make predictions. But I have my dream which, I hope, will come true. And I really want for everything to go well.
Q: As someone who participated in seven Olympics, can you say what is the most difficult thing for an athlete at the Summer Olympics?
A: Looking at my own experience, it’s the fight against yourself. I’ve won an Olympic gold as a part of the Unified team, a silver medal for Germany, but I don’t have an Olympic medal for Uzbekistan. And this is the dream I’ll give all my strength to reach.
Q: Will you stay in Baku for long?
A: I’m here until August 9, at the training camp. Then I go back to Tashkent and from there – to the Asian Games in Jakarta.
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