The first European Games in Baku will be remembered as they will represent several non-Olympic disciplines, including aerobics - a type of gymnastics.

Competition program in this sport is the arbitrary exercise under dynamic music, in which athletes demonstrate continuous high intensity and complex acyclic movements with complex coordination, as well as various elements of complexity.

Following the format of the European Games, in aerobics each country will be represented by a group of five people and a mixed pair. Probably, few people realize how difficult it is to perform in a group or as a pair - because in that case you have to feel and literally read each other's thoughts.

The press service of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation talked to Anastasia Koltunova and Vladimir Dolmatov, who will represent our country as the mixed pair. We have specially interviewed them separately, and as it turned out, in most cases, their views coincided.

Tell us how did you started to do gymnastics. Why did you chose this sport?
Anastasia: I went to gymnastics when I was 10 years old, which is quite late for this sport. It was my conscious choice - "to connect my life with the sport." Aerobics attracted me with its diversity, because it has elements of artistic and rhythmic gymnastics and acrobatics. In addition, the entire program is carried out with the music and with high dynamics.
Vladimir: 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. So I decided to go along with her, and did not regret.

How do you think, could you perform in any other sport?
A: I think it is possible to achieve high results in any sport, if you wish.
V: I can not say exactly, but I think I could be a high-class athletes in other sports. It could be a acrobatics or gymnastics, but the choice is made - I love aerobics!

How do you deal with the emotions in the day of competition? Are there any special secrets of self-control?
A: music helps to manage with the emotions on the day of the competition.
V: 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.

What do you think is the most important in any sport?
A: In sport, the main thing is desire, you need to set a goal and go for it, no matter what.
V: An aim and to have a great desire to achieve this goal! And then everything will turn out.

How dangerous is to be engaged in professional sports, or it depends on the sport?
A: It is impossible to avoid injuries in any sport. To avoid injuries an athlete must ensure his well-being.
V: Every sport is dangerous in its own way. But if one approaches the matter with the mind, it can be done without injury.

Do you have an idol in the sport?
A: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth
V: I have no one to equal myself to and do not try to reach heights the other athletes reached. I have my own way.

Tell us about your sports plans for the near future.
A: At the moment, we are intensely preparing for the European Games.
V: The plans are to adequately perform at the European Games.

What do European Games mean for you and how do you prepare for them?
A: For me the European Games is the most important event, it is honor for me to participate in such a large-scale event.
V: The Games for me is a chance to prove myself. Being patient, I give all that I have.

If stay a little bit away from the sport - do you have any aspirations or dreams that you want to implement?
A: Most of my dreams are connected with the sport; I dream to achieve high results in aerobics. V: At the moment I have only one goal - the European Games.

Are you able to combine sport with normal life?
A: For me, my whole life is a sport.
V: No. I can pull my weight to one thing. It is impossible to combine.

Tell us about your family.
A: In my family there was no athlete, but they are proud of my success in sport and support me in my choice.
V: 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.

Do you have a loved one?
A: I have a loved one, he helps to cope with difficulties in sports, gives me moral support and understands when I constantly travel.
V: Yes, I have.

What do your fans usually shout, and want do you want to hear from them?
A: At the competition is not so important what the fans scream, any support helps to gather strength and to adequately perform.
V: We need any support.

What would you like to tell them?

A: I would like to thank all my fans. Their support is important to me.
V: Thank you all.