Blog about Russia, Soviet Union, Olympics and artistic gymnastics. News and interviews on gymnastics champions, coaches and competitions.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Aliya Mustafina 'Big Interview', Mir TV



There is a great interview with Aliya at http://mir24.tv/news/sport/14596761

In Russian!  

Some edited highlights from the written commentary beneath - 

'We always sleep between workouts [in the afternoon] because sleep helps recovery ... We go to bed and get up at the same time every day - we have got used to this.'

'I do not remember a time when I wanted to do anything but gymnastics.'

'It is hard to remember my injury [from 2011] all over again.  I had a desire to prove to myself that I can recover and compete all over again.  My parents supported me, Dad more than Mum [in respect of sport].  Mum was worried about my health, but Dad was concerned for me as an athlete.  He knows that first of all I am his daughter, but I find it easier to talk to him [about sport].  [She adds that she talks to her Mum about personal things.]

'I will stand my ground to the last [in an argument] - but I will always accept it if I am wrong.  If you never make mistakes you cannot learn how to do it right.'

'I spend a lot more time in the gym than at home.  To a degree, your coach is like your second family.  At my age, you can't feel that your coach has replaced your parents, but as a child your coach teaches you, and gives advice as your parents would.  For younger athletes a coach can be like a parent.'

'I'm always nervous before competitions, no matter which one.  You have to go out and perform. The only difference is my age.'

'We do everything to avoid the slightest chance of [taking anything that might] spoil our performance.  We only take drugs from a doctor, and we check before we buy anything from a chemist.'



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