Sviatlana Makshtareva - Azerbaijani gymnast who performs on a trampoline. Together with other gymnast, Sabina Zaitseva she will represent our country at the European Games to be held in Baku this summer.

Following the format of the competition, four sets of medals - in individual and synchronized events will be played among the trampoline gymnasts. The strongest of the strongest will fight for these medals.

We decided to learn how Sviatlana prepares for the Games and at the same time to ask her about her life, career and sport.

Tell us how you got involved in gymnastics. Why did you choose this sport?

I have got involved in gymnastics by an accident. When I only started to go to school, my future coach Vladimir Shulikin and Lydia Bolotnikova have come to the lessons. They recruited children and invited me to classes. That is how I got into the sport. I did not choose this sport, but it happened.

How do you think, could you perform in any other sport?

Maybe I could. I always watched the workouts of my sister and tried to repeat something secretly.

How do you deal with your emotions on the day of competition? Have you any special secrets of self-control?

Of course, on the day of the competitions I am worried. However, for me the most important thing is the coach to be near. For me it is very important support.

What do you think is the most important aspect in any sport? 

Perseverance, character and self-confidence.

How dangerous is to be engaged in professional sports, or does it depend on the sport? 

It depends on the type of sport. Trampoline is a discipline of complex coordination, where fallings could happen.

Do you have an idol in the sport? 

I do not have an idol.

Tell us about your sports plans for the near future. 

I think about European Games to be held in Baku in June. We are preparing for them now. Then there will be the World Championships, where the license for the Olympics in Rio will be played.

What do the European Games mean for you and how do you prepare for them? 

The European Games is a serious competition for me. I think of them every day, because they will be held in my country. I want to perform well and not fail.

If we move a little bit away from sport - do you have any aspirations or dreams that you want to achieve? 

Of course, I have. A sports career is not eternal. We have to think about the future.

Are you able to combine sport with normal life? 

For me, sports and everyday life is the same thing.

Tell us about your family.

My family is almost athletic. All, except his father, were engaged in sports. Mother was engaged in athletics, and sister in gymnastics.

Do you have a loved one?

Yes, but it's personal.

What do your fans usually shout, and want do you want to hear from them? 

I do not hear shouting. Before performance, I shrink into myself. At this point, there is only my trampoline coach and me.

What would you like to tell them?

Thank you very much for your support.