NO LONGER TO GRACE US

Another Azerbaijani sporting celebrity has decided to retire. This time it is the leader of modern rhythmic gymnastics, European champion, Olympic participant and five times champion of Azerbaijan, Aliya Qarayeva.

Qarayeva has occupied a special place not only in gymnastics but in the history of Azerbaijani sport in general. Although there are quite a few continental champions in Azerbaijan, her successes still stand out above the rest. In 2007 she won the title of European champion on the rope. What was unique about Aliya's triumph was that up till then European champions came from only four countries. It was Aliya Qarayeva who wrote Azerbaijan into this list. In addition to that, she had one silver and three bronze medals from continental competitions, and also one silver and five bronze medals from world championships. In her sporting career there was only one dream that was not realized - an Olympic medal. At the London Olympics she was short of a medal by just 0.1 of a point.

The final day of the Azerbaijani championships was also the day Aliya Qarayeva said farewell to top-class sport. That day all the talk and congratulations were about her. But this distinguished sportswoman, in accepting all these congratulations, tried not to show her feelings. It was with her experiences that we began our interview.

- To be honest, I was rather touched. Saying farewell to gymnastics has proved to be more difficult than I imagined. Although everyone was congratulating me I realized that I would no longer be competing. There will be no more tournaments, and that means no more chances of winning. It's a strange feeling. No-one can fully realize that. It's like being hit by a shock-wave. I would like to thank everyone for the huge attention they have paid me. I also would like to thank the President of the Azerbaijani Gymnastics Federation Mehriban Aliyeva. It was because of her support that I was successful in a number of major competitions. I am confident that gymnastics in our country will continue to develop and there will be more victories.

- What was the reason behind your decision to end your career?

- First of all, I'd like to point out that I am already 25, and that's quite old for a gymnast. Some gymnasts even end their careers when they are 22-23. I have been performing up to the age of 25, trying to win more success. I thought about this decision for a long time. To be truthful, it was a very difficult one. But the time has come for me to go.

- What will you do now?

- I've had a lot of offers. But one was particularly attractive. I am now thinking about it but I don't want to reveal it now. You'll probably know in September.

- Which performance in your career do you remember best of all?

- Of course, I shall always remember my victory at the European Championships in 2007. I also think I did well at last year's continental championship. Some people say my performance at the Olympics was not successful, but I don't agree. I was just a few points short of a medal in London…

- Are you satisfied with your career?

- I think I have achieved a lot. I'm pleased that I was able to take part in the Olympics and that I have won European and world championship medals. That's not bad. In a certain sense I am happy with my career.

- Who do you think will lead the national team?

- Gymnastics in Azerbaijan is developing rapidly. Parents are only too willing to bring their children to gymnastics lessons. The juniors have performed well at international competitions. So we should have a lot of success in the future. The interest in this sport makes the girls more responsible. It's nice that gymnastics is among the country's favourite sports.

- Marina Durunda and Lala Yusifova are already competing with the adults. They did well in the championships. Will they be able to make it to the top in the sport?

- I follow all their performances with interest. They were very successful in the European championships. The girls who just a few months ago were successful in junior championships are now on a par with their experienced counterparts among the seniors. Marina Durunda reached the final in three exercises. That's a big success. I believe that she will be challenging for medals in the continental tournament in the future.

- What do you wish the younger generation of gymnasts…?

- I wish the girls good health and success. They have enormous potential and I believe they will achieve it. The world championships are being held in Kiev in August. I wish our team good results in this competition. Azerbaijani gymnasts work hard and are tenacious. And athletes who work hard in training will always be successful.

- What has gymnastics given to you?

- Gymnastics - and sport in general - has been my life. Gymnastics has always been a part of me. I have been training every day and in the evenings I have been thinking about training tomorrow. Other sportsmen will understand me better than most. It will be hard to give up something that has taken up so much of my time. I love gymnastics and I am glad that I chose it. It has been my life and it will stay with me for the rest of my days. The end of a career doesn't mean I will give up gymnastics altogether. I have found new and true friends here. I have learnt how to battle as part of a team. Gymnastics is sport and sport makes a person patient and disciplined. I have become more resolute. There have been moments of gladness and sadness. Sometimes hard training has been simply exhausting… But the joy of victory has helped overcome the fatigue. It is at times like these that you realize it was all worth it.