Aliya Garayeva: “I hope my result in London won’t be worse”

Interview by VK with Azerbaijani gymnast Aliya Garaeva, the bronze medal winner
 at the 28th European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship

VK: Aliya, our warmest congratulations! This competition was wonderful. You
gave us lots of impressions. Actually, the possibility of standing on a
podium is not for everyone. Tell us, what is it like? What did you feel
 there?

Aliya Garaeva: Of course, it is great, because we worked hard and finally
got this medal. We worked side by side: coaches, doctors, massage
therapists, referees and all the federation. To my mind, we got this
 deserved medal together, and I think we are worthy of it.

VK: It is more than a deserved medal! You’ve felt the support of the
audience, haven’t you?

Aliya Garayeva: It was very pleasant, and it really supported me. I’d like
to thank all the fans for it. When I got into the hall, I was told: “Have
you already seen your cheerleading squad?” I said: “I guess it’s great,
though I haven’t seen it.” Then I was told: “They brought drums with them
and decorated the hall with flags.” It was very nice.

VK: You take part in different competitions and visit various cities. Do
you think there is something outstanding in Nizhni Novgorod?

Aliya Garayeva: Frankly speaking, I haven’t seen anything but the hall and
the hotel… Oh no, we visited the Luna Park for the first two days and
enjoyed the rides.

VK: Sportsmen are generally superstitious. Have you got any beliefs or
rituals you observe before competitions?

Aliya Garayeva: I haven’t neither beliefs nor rituals to observe. All I
need is to perform well and to do my stuff.

VK: That is quite true. The key is to rely on oneself and to be
self-assured. My last question will touch upon the issue of self-assurance.
The Olympic Games in London will take place soon; do you believe in your
 success there?

Aliya Garayeva: This year I feel self-confident, I think I can try to win,
and my victory today represents more proof of it. I hope my result in
London won’t be worse. I am eager for it, and I’m going to work on it.