Slovenian Tjasa Kysselef is well-known among those who follow the Apparatus World Cups as she is often competing on vault at these events. Yesterday, she competed in the very first subdivision and was second on vault but unfortunately ended up in the 9th place and the first reserve for the vault final, missing the qualification by only 0.1. Kysselef finished in the exact same position – 9th place and first reserve for the vault final – at two European Championships before, in 2016 and 2017. She talked to us right after the first subdivision and before she knew if she made the final. Kysselef told about how important it was for her to finally make the final and how she thought that this year might be her year, after all.
Q: What are your goals for these Championships?
A: I’m satisfied with my first vault because I stuck it and this is what I expect from myself, but the second vault… I’m disappointed because I’m not used to landings like this, like today. I was preparing for the final, actually because two times I was in 9th place so it was about time for me to get into the final.
Q: Well, maybe you will.
A: I’m really, really wishing for it. That’s my dream. I’m not exactly happy with the score right now. I was trying my best. I mean, I always do but this was actually the biggest expectation for me, for myself. I never expect anything because usually, as women, we have [health] problems all over. I never expected much for me. But this time I did. I just hope it will be enough for me today. I wish luck and health to everyone but this time I want to be the star.
Q: You should! And do you plan to upgrade your vaults in the future?
A: Of course. I’m trying to do the layout version of my piked vault. I was actually planning to do it here. It’s less risky in terms of not getting into the final because of the D scores. But because of my injuries, my ankles, I wasn’t able to prepare it in time.
Q: So, your ankles hurt right now?
A: Yeah. I mean, the ankles are always there because I had injuries in the past. So maybe later. I saw that it wouldn’t be ready in time for the Euros and I couldn’t risk falling on it. So, I said: “I’m going to do the old vaults, and I’ll try to do them 100% perfect”. I always try my best. Maybe, I expected too much for me this time. I would be satisfied with the 10th place if I would do my vaults 100%. If they’re perfect – ok, this just means that I’m not good enough, which is ok, I can accept that but I did them perfectly. But if I didn’t, if I could get a few more tenths, then I can’t hide my disappointment.
Photo: Gymania, Israeli Gymnastics Magazine
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