Salome Pazhava: "I dedicate this medal to all who suffered from the floods in Tbilisi"

Salome Pazhava, who represented Georgia, has won a bronze medal in the individual finals of the exercise with a ribbon in rhythmic gymnastics at the First European Games. The gymnast received 8.95 points for the complexity of the exercise, and 9 points for performing skills. In an interview for Vestnik of the Caucasus, she shared her impressions of winning the medal.

- What are your feelings after the performance?

- I still have these emotions. They are overwhelming me. Of course, I wanted to win a medal, but frankly speaking, I did not expect it. When I saw this, I started crying from happiness. I was very proud to raise the flag of Georgia.

I have dedicated these performances to the event that happened in Georgia in Tbilisi. We have a lot of injured people and animals. There is a state of disaster in Georgia. This medal and this victory I dedicate to Georgia. I am very happy and glad.

- Did you like the atmosphere and the organization of the First European Games?

- Yes, very much. It is the first time that I have participated at this level. Everything has been done perfectly, everything helps me, the atmosphere is very good. The onlookers supported me. And everything is comfortable.

The organization is also at the highest level. Always in Azerbaijan great competitions are held at the highest level. Last year [at the European Championships] I talked about it and now that Azerbaijan has the best competitions organisationally.

- How much is this medal important to you?

- This medal is extremely important to me. I work a lot. I think God sees everything: me, my coaches, my parents. It is very important for them.

- You've already seen the city of Baku?

- Yes. It's not the first time I've been in Azerbaijan. But I think that we will go for a walk and see the city.