Israeli gymnast Alexander Shatilov said, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza after performing in the floor exercise qualification at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Baku.
"We know the Baku National Gymnastic Arena very well, it's not our first, or even second time here - and I hope not the last one. The organization of tournaments is outstanding, the city is also beautiful, we have a lot of friends in Baku. It's very nice to come here again and again," the athlete stressed.
"When there's time, we walk along embankment and the Old Town, chill at restaurants with local food. That's what we love the most in Baku except for the competition," Alexander Shatilov admitted.
The Israeli gymnast highly appreciated the competitive level of the Baku World Cup stage. "The competition is really high, because this World Cup stage gives points for the Olympic Games. All gymnasts who plan to qualify for the Olympic Games through the World Cup came here," he explained.
The FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup is held at the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku on March 14-17. According to the new rules, the World Cup is a qualifying event for Tokyo-2020 Summer Olympic Games. 170 gymnasts from 41 countries will contest medals at the tournament.
