The Press Service of Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation (AGF) presents an interview with the Head Coach of the Norwegian Rhythmic Gymnastics Club “Asker Turnforening” - Bente Buanes.
You are welcome to Azerbaijan. How many gymnasts are involved in the training camp in Baku?
There are 4 gymnasts in these trainings.
- Which competitions are you preparing here?
- We are planning to take part in the “Miss Valentine” Grand Prix and International Tournament to be held at the end of February. Afterwords, there will be several World Cups and participation in the “Sсandinavian” Championships. This is our main goal this spring.
- Please tell us about the latest achievements of your gymnasts.
- We had good results at the World Championships held in Japan last year. I would say that this success is Norway’s best achievement in the last 30 years. Our goal is to continue with more successful performances.
- As far as we know, this is not your first visit to Azerbaijan.
- Yes, it is.
- We would like to know your impressions about Azerbaijan.
- Your capital has changed a lot since I was here for the first time. If I'm not mistaken, I was here in 2007. I really like the city and “Milli Gimnastika Arenası” (National Gymnastics Arena) is magnificent. The new training hall is also very good and the conditions here are great.
- We would like to ask why you have chosen Azerbaijan (Milli Gimnastika Arenası), for the training camp.
Our choice is primarily based on high level of facilities and hospitality here. Many years ago, the AGF Executive Committee member - Mariana Vasileva came to Norway and since then we have become close friends. I am a big fan of her work. That’s why, we are very happy to visit Baku.
- What can you say about Azerbaijani Gymnasts?
- It seems that they are developing a lot. Two days ago, I watched the performance of the senior group. Azerbaijani gymnasts have a very interesting program. It will be very interesting to see how they will perform in this year’s competition. I think it’s a young team. Now, everyone is working on new Code of Points. Let’s see what will happen in the next competitions. In this Gymnastics discipline, more attention will be paid to artistry. From this point of view, it will be interesting to watch the performances of Azerbaijani gymnasts. Because I think, they have good skills in terms of artistry.