Mama, don't cry! Olympic medallist Denis Ablyazin's mum speaks out about her son ...

Denis with the family kitten, a few years ago!  Courtesy of VTB/family Ablyazin

Denis Ablyazin yesterday became the most decorated male Russian Olympian gymnast since 2000, when Alexei Nemov became all around champion.  His silver medal on vault was won in a final of the highest quality ever seen; his bronze on floor earned thanks to a brave routine of non-stop power tumbling.  Denis, who turned 20 at the weekend, is a Leo by birth sign and demonstrates all of those flamboyant birthsign qualities in his gymnastics.  His energy and positive, cheerful character seem sure to make him a favourite with the crowds as well as judges in the future. 

Now read on as Denis's mother talks about his growth and development as a gymnast in an interview with VTB correspondent Irina Belozerova, translated brilliantly by Lupita.

Don't cry mum!!

Interview with Liubov Ablyazina

�My son told me: I�m choosing gymnastics�

 

Liubov, your son practiced cycling, besides gymnastics.  Why did he choose gymnastics?

� It was a difficult decision. I didn�t give advice, he chose himself.

   

� Did he apply himself?

� Yes, he did. It was his idea. A gymnastics coach went to his school to explain what gymnastics was about. Denis watched some training sessions and said: �I want to go to the gym."

�Did you realize that Denis was gifted?

� His coach did, not us. Denis didn�t want to practice sport and his coach told us:  "I cannot force him, but if he wants to train, he is gifted for gymnastics."   Denis decided to train.

� What did he want to become when he was a child?

� A hockey player! We took him to this sport section, but something happened. Later, after hockey, he started cycling and then he chose gymnastics. Most importantly, I want my son to have such qualities as respect, responsibility, kindness.

 

� Probably he had posters in his bedroom with well known athletes in his bedroom.

� He collected football posters, he had Ronaldo�s.

 

� When Denis was named for his first competitions, did you realize that artistic gymnastics was a serious issue?

�At the first competition he won third place, but it was difficult to decide if he was going to be a gymnast. When Denis competed at his first school Spartakiade and came back with the gold medal, we understood that he was going to practice artistic gymnastics seriously.

�Were you scared of professional sport?

� On the one hand, everything seemed OK. He was busy; he was not in the street� On the other hand, I suffered a lot when he had severe injuries. But he said: �Don�t worry, don�t bother, Mum."

 

�Which victory impressed you most?

� The School Spartakiade in Chelyabinsk, his first great victory, his first medals. There was an incredible level there! He had only competed in the city, at the Dynamo Championship...

� Do you collect medals?

�Yes� In his bedroom he has all the medals, all in the same place.

� Denis has a young coach.

� They understand each other very well. He has to give Denis advice. Our son was under 18; his coach had full responsibility when they travelled to compete at tournaments. We asked him to pay extra attention to Denis.

� Were there moments when you wanted to convince Denis to quit?

� This didn�t happen because when he won a spot on a junior team, it was not necessary. Before he had severe injuries, unfortunately.

� Was it difficult for you to send Denis to competitions?

� At the beginning it was very difficult; we suffered, above all if he went abroad. Now we speak on the phone, via Internet.

� What does Denis bring back from his trips?

� Key rings. He collects them. He�s got a big collection. And he buys everyone presents.

 

�Many athletes don�t like their parents to watch competitions. What about your son?

�Denis doesn�t like it, but sometimes we go incognito to national championships in Penza. But he usually finds us. I am nervous during the performances: the elements are complex, the gymnasts fall...I don�t like watching competitions.