Calm? I am very nerv- ous when I perform. I try to get calm and overcome my fears.
What are you afraid of?
Making a mistake, not showing my best side.
You train for such a long time, so when you
come to perform, you understand that you
basically have to put everything together.
What will Russia need to be No. 1 as a
team at the London Olympics?
We need mutual understanding in the team,
and lots of training. And the desire!
What are your impressions of the U.S.
team?
The team is very strong. [pauses] I respect
every gymnast. The competition will show
everything.
Did you think Viktoria Komova should
have won the all-around in Tokyo?
It’s a difficult question. It’s the judges’ deci-
sion, not mine.
What are you doing to avoid the mistake
you made in Tokyo (a fall off beam in all-
around final)?
I am working on beam more. Maybe I will
change something in my routine in order to
be more certain.
What will you need in 2012 to build on
the success you earned in 2010 and
2011?
I need to train more. After Tokyo I have
more desire, and my confidence is greater.
That’s why I will work and try to show in
London that I have good routines, and that I
can do it. IG
IG contributor John Crumlish lives in Los Angeles.
Nazarova
consoles
Afanasyeva
