Women's gymnastics - one of the disciplines that will be presented at the European Games in Baku. Among the strongest gymnasts of the continent will be played six sets of medals - for the team standings, a private all-around, and individual species - on the Balance Beam, uneven bars, jumping and floor exercises.

Our gymnast Kristina Pravdina - one of the contenders for it to represent the country at this large-scale sporting events. During the conversation, the press service of the Federation of Gymnastics learned a lot of interesting facts from the life of gymnasts, as well as sports Christina plans for the near future.

Tell us how did you started to do gymnastics. Why did you chose this sport?
I have a sports family and as a child, I had no one to stay at home with. Therefore, the parents decided to send me to gymnastics. Since then I am engaged in it. First, I just ran around the hall, staring at the gymnasts, and then the coach saw me and offered to start doing gymnastics.

How do you think, could you perform in any other sport?
I think I would be able to achieve results in other sports, too. I quickly grasp something new, but as you can see, I have not changed my decision, because I am in love with gymnastics.

How do you deal with the emotions in the day of competition? Are there any special secrets of self-control?
Earlier there were some emotions, and now, after a long break it is not so scary to perform. I know that I have done all of this previously, and therefore I able to cope with all the emotion. I haven’t special secrets of self-control.

What do you think is most important in any sport?
Diligence. If one works – there will be a result.

How dangerous is to be engaged in professional sports, or it depends on the sport?
Depends on the sports. Each kind of sports is difficult in its own way. Gymnastics, especially artistic gymnastics is very traumatic sport. However, we are keeping everything under control to avoid unnecessary injuries. From childhood, we are taught how to properly drop down and etc.

Do you have a sports idol?
Previously, it was Svetlana Khorkina, and now - it is Aliya Mustafina, a real fighter. I know her personally, and I think many people watched her performance at the European Championships when she was injured. Besides her, I am watching the successes of Romanians Larisa Iordache and American Simone Biles, whose complexity of the exercises just impresses.

Tell us about your sports plans for the near future.
To win medals! We must rise to the big stage and win the general sympathy. For this, we shall work and complicate the program. This year's first competition will be the Azerbaijan’s Open Championship to be held in March, and then there will be World Cup. Of course, afterwards very important events - the European Championships and the European Games will be held. Time is short and each training is important for us.

What do European Games mean for you and how do you prepare for them?
I believe that this is a very big event, like the Youth Olympic Games, which were discussed a lot. Therefore, European Games will also be in the spotlight. To collect good combinations on the two apparatus - on the uneven bars and balance beam. There is a good prospect. We will gradually increase the load and achieve stability.

If stay a little bit away from the sport - do you have any aspirations or dreams that you want to implement?
Five years ago, after the injury I thought about what I will do next. I tried to work in a few places, but I remained in gymnastics. I am professional here and want to stay, to raise a new generation of my own champions as a coach.

Are you able to combine sport with normal life?
Why not? If you do not combine them, you will collapse. It is necessary to be able to combine them all, as I was told before - with studying. Studying was very hard because it also took strength. With a normal life, it is easier. There is not as much time as the others have, but it is enough.

Tell us about your family.
My mother is a sports master in artistic gymnastics and acrobatics, and even international referee. The father is also a former gymnast. It is a normal sports family.

Do you have a loved one?
No, I am free as a bird (laughing).

What do your fans usually shout, and want do you want to hear from them?
I did not notice – there is only apparatus and me. I do not notice what's going on around. On the floor and jumping there are usually more emotion from the fans.

What would you like to tell them?
I thank them for supporting me. And wish them all the best!