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Interview: Anna Bessonova, Ukrainian Gymnast
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7/9/2009
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I Train and I Study
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If she were to repeat her success in Athens and Beijing, she will become the most successful Ukrainian athlete ever! Anna Bessonova never misses Summer Universiades.
- I love Universiades, this one is my fourth. Unlike the Olympic Games, these Games are much more relaxed; athletes enjoy themselves and have time to make new friends.
How many medals have you won at Universiades?
- I need a minute to count them…Five gold medals in Bangkok, four gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal in Izmir.
How do you manage to have friends if you claim all the medals?
- I have not come here for medals, but to present my new program. I hope that spectators and judges will like it.
We saw Anna train in Hall 1 of the Belgrade Fair. Spectators were thrilled. How do you choose music?
- Sometimes I suggest to my coach an interesting piece of music, sometimes he chooses music. The important thing is that the style of music is different, that it brings different atmosphere and represent my temperament; and, of course, spectators and I have to like it.
You have triumphed at World Championships, at Olympic Games and at Universiades. How do you find time for training and for studying?
- It is difficult, of course, but many people in my country do the same thing I do: they train every day, they compete; they travel and study and manage to achieve excellent results.
What does the usual day of Anna Bessanova look like?
- When I am in training for an important sports event, then I have choreography training, followed by the regular training. After the lunch break I train again for the rest of the day. When I am not in training for some gymnasts’ meet, the situation is different. I train only once a day.
Being a successful athlete, do you see yourself as a role model for young Ukrainians?
- I have many fans in Ukraine. I believe that it is an honor to be able to teach other how to become a successful athlete.
Has anything changed in the life of Anna Bessonova after she won Olympic gold?
- It is a sports medal, therefore nothing has changed in my life; everything is the same. I am happy when people are satisfied with my achievements, but I try to remain the same Anna Bessonova I have been all my life.
What does she expect of the Universiade in Belgrade?
- I never make predictions. I want to present my new program and to do it as best as I can. Results usually follow if I do that well.
What is the life in University Village like?
- Everybody is in good spirits; atmosphere is good in the whole Village, not only in the Ukrainian building. At Univeriades we meet friends that we don’t usually see. We are there for each other and we take pleasure in each other’s success.
Do you have a special place for the medals at home?
- At first, my mom, dad and I kept our medal in one place. As you know, my father was a football player and my mother was y gymnast. Now, things have changed. We don’t have enough space for all the medals.
What can you say about the 25th Universiade in Belgrade and your hosts?
- I haven’t had time to see Belgrade. I hope that I will have time to see your beautiful city I heard so much about. So far, I have only seen the Village and I am delighted. One can feel positive atmosphere everywhere. Volunteers have definitely impressed me – concluded Anna Bessonova.
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