Only 42 days left until the first European Games, which will start in Baku on June 12. The Games are held on the initiative of the European Olympic Committee and will be held every four years. More than 6,000 athletes from 50 countries are expected to arrive in Baku.

Aerobic Gymnastics is one of the four non-Olympic sport, which are included in the program of the European Games. Following the format of the competition, mixed pairs and groups will compete for the medals. It is significant that each group consists of five people.

By tradition, the press service of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation talked to a group that will represent our country at this sporting event. In some ways, they disagreed, but when we were talking about the European Games, they unanimously agreed that this is a very important event for them.

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

Timur Alekperov: I got into the aerobic gymnastics school quite by accident after I argued with a friend that I would engage in this sport and remain there at least for a year. I have won the argument with a large margin.

Vera Bosykh: I was 4 year-old when my parents took me to the gym (rhythmic gymnastics), but my sports career has not developed there. Then, after consultation with the parents, I decided to get involved in the aerobic gymnastics.

Elchin Mammadov: At first, I was doing acrobatic gymnastics and after retirement, I decided to choose aerobic gymnastics. For me, this sport is very interesting...

Vladimir Dolmatov: It was an accident. December 15, 2004 I was very bored sitting at home, because my sister at that moment engaged in aerobics and was at the training. Therefore, I decided to go along with her, and did not regret.

Ekaterina Kotliarova: I have got involved in aerobic gymnastics when I was 15-year-old. Then it was not very popular, I do not even know where I had come. I saw a school advertisement for recruitment to the gym and decided to drop in.

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

Timur: I think so, if I were in love with this sport as well as with aerobic gymnastics.

Vera: I probably would not have be able to obtain success in other sport.

Elchin: If I had not been involved in aerobic gymnastics, I would have try my hand in swimming.

Vladimir: I cannot say exactly, but I think I could be high-class athletes in other sports. It could be an acrobatics or gymnastics, but the choice is made - I love aerobics!

Ekaterina: I think so, in team sports such as volleyball.

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

Timur: I have no secrets, one should be in a good physical form and to enter the podium with pleasure. Then there will be no excitement.

Vera: When enter the podium I cease to feel fear and anxiety.

Elchin: On the day of the competition, I analyze every move and step in the mind. Collecting my thoughts, I reassure myself that everything will be fine.

Vladimir: I just imagine that I'm in training at the moment, and that except for me and coach there is no one in the room.

Ekaterina: I imagine the correct execution of the elements before leaving to the podium. I tell myself that everything will turn out.

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

Timur: The most important thing it's dedication!

Vera: In sports, it is important not to give up and to purpose an object.

Elchin: A discipline is the most important thing. Moreover, one must listen to the coach carefully and to perform everything.

Vladimir: An aim and to have a great desire to achieve this goal! Then everything will turn out.

Ekaterina: A striving for the victory!

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

Timur: Danger is everywhere, even in the normal walk. One should approach with a mind to the training process and health.

Vera: Any professional sports associated with injuries, each sport has its own features and difficulties.

Elchin: First of all, during training it is necessary to warm up well. Moreover, if you perform all the movements as the coach says, you can avoid these situations.

Vladimir: Each sport is dangerous in its own way. However, if one approaches the matter with the mind, it can be done without injury.

Ekaterina: In any professional sport, there is a risk of injury.

Do you have an idol in the sport?

Timur: As such, I do not have an idol, there are athletes, whose success I watch and try to achieve the same results. That helps a lot.

Vera: No.

Elchin: No, I haven’t.

Vladimir: I have no one to equal myself to and do not try to reach heights the other athletes reached. I have my own way.

Ekaterina: Michael Phelps.

Tell us about your sports plans for the near future.

Timur: The most important competition for me now is the European Games.

Vera: In the near future - preparation for the European Games.

Elchin: In a month, we expect the European Games, and all of my thoughts are about them.

Vladimir: The plans are to perform at the European Games with dignity.

Ekaterina: Now, we are preparing for the European Games, we look forward to this historic event.

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

Timur: A couple of years ago I could not even imagine that I will take part in the Games! Preparation process is very serious, we have to deny ourselves many things, but it is worth it.

Vera: It is the most important event.

Elchin: I am very glad that the first Games to be held in Baku. It is a big responsibility, so training takes place every day.

Vladimir: The Games for me is a chance to prove myself. Being patient, I give all that I have.

Ekaterina: For me the Games are the kind of Olympics as the aerobic gymnastics is not an Olympic sport, but has been included in the program of the Games.

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

Timur: Thanks to the Games, I returned to the sport after a three and a half year of break. Now I want to continue training, and then start coaching activity.

Vera: Sure, there are a large number of plans for the future, not related to sports.

Elchin: Now I am fully engaged in the sport, and I think only about the Games.

Vladimir: I have only one goal now - it is the European Games.

Ekaterina: Yes, I have.

Are you able to combine sport with normal life?

Timur: Of course, yes!

Vera: Unfortunately, not always.

Elchin: No. I spend almost all day at training.

Vladimir: No. I can pull my weight to one thing. It is impossible to combine.

Ekaterina: For me, sport is an ordinary life, my work.

Tell us about your family.

Timur: My family is not athletic, mother is an assayer, and sister is interested in sewing clothes.

Vera: I have a wonderful family. I love my parents and I appreciate everything they do. They support me in everything.

Elchin: My family consists of five members - father, mother, two sisters and me. Father is an engineer, mother - a homemaker, and sisters are teachers of English and Azerbaijani languages.

Vladimir: I have a sporting family. My mother and sister are fitness instructors, father is instructor in the gym. Only my brother chose technology. He is a programmer, but I am sure that he could become a good athlete.

Ekaterina: It is a normal family: mom, dad, sister and a cat (laughing).

Do you have a loved one?

Timur: Unfortunately, or fortunately - no.

Elchin: It has been a long time, three years ago. Now I have no time for it (laughing).

Vladimir: Yes, I have.

Ekaterina: No.

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

Timur: When I go out on podium, I cannot hear anything but the music.

Vera: I am grateful to a small number of fans that I have, so there is absolutely no matter what they shout. Moreover, honestly, when I perform I do not hear anything.

Elchin: When fans yell from the stands "Elchin, we believe in you!" I am getting more confident.

Vladimir: We need any support.

Ekaterina: I cannot hear what they are shouting, applauses only.

What would you like to tell them?

Timur: Many thanks for the support - it is very important.

Vera: Thank you for supporting us.

Vladimir: I thank them.

Elchin: I am very grateful to them for their support.

Catherine: Thank them that are rooting for our team and me.