Daria Spiridonova was interviewed by Family Style magazine for their New-Year-themed issue. She talked about overcoming the challenges her career presented and her relationship with Nikita Nagornyy.
Q: Dasha, more than five years have passed since your senior international debut. What do you think has changed – is it easier to compete now?
A: How fast time flies! It hasn’t gotten easier to compete, I am as nervous as the first time. I started taking competitions a bit easier, to approach them more consciously and to understand the value of medals.
Q: You were seven years old when you started artistic gymnastics – later than most girls. Did you feel different from other gymnasts at first?
A: Yes, of course, there was difference, but I think that was what made me try and catch up with the girls and I gradually did it.
Q: Your best event is bars. Was it love at first sight or you got there through trial and error?
A: Actually, I don’t even know why bars. I feel them. Perhaps, it’s a gift. Looking at the physical side, I’m weak and many are even surprised at how I manage to do it. But it’s all the technique that my childhood coach taught me.
Q: Who were your teachers in life that left a great mark on your destiny? Which athletes serve as an example for you?
A: Honestly, I never looked up to anyone. Yes, of course, I liked some athletes more than others. But being a fan of someone – that didn’t happen. The only thing I was striving for was to achieve the greatest results.
Q: Tell us about your daily routine: do gymnasts have any food restrictions?
A: I used to really dislike this question as a kid, especially when you’re sitting at the table, eating, and someone asks: “Are you allowed to eat that? Won’t you gain weight? Do you also eat desserts?” We can eat everything but in moderation! Of course, we watch what we eat, we need this not just for gymnastics but for life as well – we’re girls, after all. If we feel heavy, we’ll definitely limit ourselves somehow. So, we eat everything and even desserts – they elevate the mood.
Q: What’s harder for you: to compete in individual or team competitions? How does it feel to compete for the Russian team?
A: Of course, [it’s harder to compete] at a team competition. It’s a huge responsibility, you need to prepare mentally and support not just yourself but all your teammates. To compete for the Russian team is nice. We love our country and are proud of it.
Q: The new Olympic season is just around the corner. What are yours and your team’s dreams and homes for the Olympics?
A: We are preparing to show only the best results and are doing everything for it. It’s a sport and it’s very hard to make predictions. Of course, we dream of coming back with gold medals. The Olympics are a long way off. We’ll be preparing, only time will tell. The most important thing is to take care of our health and be responsible. Good luck and patience to all the athletes!
Q: A year ago you married Nikita Nagornyy. Can you tell us how you two met and what it is like to live in a family of athletes?
A: We met at a training camp. At first, we rarely talked but then started going to competitions together more often and hang out more. Nikita is the most fun person I’ve ever known. If he’s around, no one will be bored. That’s how he charmed me. We’ve been together for almost five years and married for a year. It’s pretty nice. Since we are both athletes, we can better understand and support each other, we know how to make it better. Nothing has changed since getting married – it’s as great as it was. The only thing is that we started trusting each other more and set bigger goals for the future.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? Do you like to travel?
A: We really like to travel! Almost always, when we have a spare couple of days, we try to travel somewhere – to walk around in Europe or to go to the beach. We dream of having a trip across America.
Q: We know you have a pet. Can you tell us about him and about what you think of the nature – our big planet’s flora and fauna?
A: Yes, we have a dog, Simon. He appeared in our home when I was thinking about retiring, I was going through a difficult time, I stopped getting invitations to the training camps. When Nikita would leave, I was very bored and I got a friend. Then, I realized that I could still achieve something in the sport and we had to give Simon to my parents temporarily. They love him so much, they call him their grandson and said they won’t give him back. We try to visit them whenever possible.
Q: Could you share your wishes and dreams for the new year?
A: I want every single one of you to just be happy and healthy and the rest will come, if you really want it.
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