The audience's support sets you for a good performance, Azerbaijani gymnast Ivan Tikhonov said, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza after performing in the pommel horse exercise qualification at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in Baku.
"When you're at home, it is always better, and the support in Azerbaijan is excellent. It cheers you up. Even if you do not feel very good, when fans shout 'Azerbaijan!' and your name, it sets you for a good performance," he explained.
Ivan Tikhonov told how he got into the national team of Azerbaijan. "The senior coach of the youth team Vladimir Sergeyevich Kirillov suggested me to represent Azerbaijan. I first went here to check the conditions, I really liked it and then decided to move here," the Azerbaijani gymnast said.
"In the Russian national team, I was in the second composition, when you there it’s very difficult to compete, which is why I didn't go to competitions and training camps very much - and here one has all the opportunities for professional growth," Ivan Tikhonov pointed out.
"Of course, it is nice to see old friends and acquaintances at international tournaments, talk with them," the gymnast of the Azerbaijani national team added.
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.
