The press service of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation has talked to the Olympic Games’ bronze medalist, gymnast from Uzbekistan, Ekaterina Khilko.

Is it your first visit to Baku? If yes, what is your impression?

“Yes, it is my first visit to Baku. I has had no chance to see the city yet, however, I liked even the roads from the airport to your great and beautiful sports centre. Despite the winter time, there is greenery all around. It is clean and well-maintained everywhere.”

What can you say about our Milli Gimnastika Arenası (National Gymnastics Arena)?

“I can say that it is like the cherry on the cake for gymnasts. Because, I see all conditions are created here for effective trainings and achieving good results. I think any athlete can probably envy such a facility”.  

How long have you been engaged in Trampoline Gymnastics?

“Actually, I am engaged in this gymnastics discipline since I was eight. My parents are masters of sports in Artistic Gymnastics. So, I can say that I have been in the gym almost since I was 2-3 year-old (smiles)”.

It will be interesting for us to hear about your achievements.

“Certainly, my greatest achievement is a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Beijing”.

Ekaterina, what did you feel when you became the bronze medalist of the Olympic Games?

“I can say that this was a big surprise for me. On the other hand, it could have been expected. However, I think the Olympic medal of any value - is, of course, the greatest award for every athlete. So, this feeling is indescribable. During the first few minutes, you cannot realize what is happening to you”.

What do you expect from this World Cup?

“I think that any sport discipline is unpredictable, including Trampoline Gymnastics. The most important thing is to show all your strength and achieve the best results. Afterwards, the work is to be done by judges”.

Are you acquainted with our athletes? What can you say about them?

“Of course. For example, I have known Sviatlana Makstarova for a long time. I think that she is a very good athlete, she has great future. In general, all members of the Azerbaijani National Team in Trampoline Gymnastics are young, talented and promising athletes. I wish them good luck and progress”! 

As we know, two female athletes in Trampoline Gymnastics from Uzbekistan are qualified for the pre-Olympic Test Event in Rio…

“Yes, it is true. As I took the 10^th place at the World Cup in Trampoline Gymnastics held in Denmark last November, I was not able to get a direct ticket to the Olympic Games. But I qualified for the Test Event, where I still have a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games.  Another gymnast from Uzbekistan will also participate in the test event to take place in April”.

Finally, we would like to hear about your plans.

“Speaking about the plans, I hope to qualify for the Olympic Games in Rio. After the Games, I am planning to leave big-time sports. I wish to devote myself to my family”.