Angelina Melnikova talked to Match TV about her experience at the European Championships in Glasgow.
Q: Which performance and medal you are most happy about?
A: Of course, we’re most happy about the team performance because the team [gold] was our main goal. We achieved it, we became the European champions, we’re very happy and we thank our coaches for that. Generally, this championships became very successful for me personally, and I guess, I’m happy with everything because of that.
Q: So, the silver and the bronze [individual] medals are a great result as well now?
A: I think so because my bronze was such an unexpected medal on bars. And the silver [on vault] – I never even expected medals on these events.
Q: You had an injury, you competed after getting shots. How are you feeling now?
A: I feel good, my knees are getting better. Well, actually, this injury didn’t bother me at all because I had treatment before [the championships] and my legs recovered and were ready for the competition load.
Q: After the team final, you weren’t able to fall asleep until 3 am – why? Too many emotions or because you were already thinking about the individual finals?
A: I guess there were a lot of emotions because we didn’t expect such a good performance since we had quite a new team. I don’t know, the European Championships were so emotional, that’s why we couldn’t fall asleep.
Q: Artur Dalaloyan said that for him the team medal is much more valuable than the individual medals. Is your priority also the team gold?
A: Yes, I think it’s the same for all of the girls because there are five people on the team and each routine of every girl is like your routine, each mistake is like your mistake, that’s why this medal is so important.
Q: Did you feel that you were a part of a multi-sport team? After all, you represented Russia at the multi-sport European Championships.
A: I guess you could feel it while watching TV but, while there, we didn’t really cross paths with any other sports and didn’t notice it at all.
Q: Were you happy with the organization of the competition? The swimmers weren’t happy with the organization and the food.
A: For us, everything was great. I’d call it a perfect competition.
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