LONDON IS CLOSE AT HAND

"Azerbaijani gymnast Aliya Qarayeva won bronze at the final stage of the 10th Berlin Master Rhythmic Gymnastics Grand Prix 2010. As reported by the press service of the Azerbaijani Federation of Gymnastics, the bronze medallist of Mundial 2010 gain took bronze in the ball exercises. She received 27.9 points from the judges, yielding only to Russians Yevgeniya Kanayeva and Darya Kondakova". There have been plenty of other reports about successful performances by Aliya and her teammates in 2010. But Azerbaijan's graceful gymnasts are not planning to rest on their laurels - they are highly ambitious and have every right to be so.

We managed to talk with Qarayeva, who leads Azerbaijan's national rhythmic gymnastics team, and she is in optimistic mood, believing that our gymnasts have great potential and that they are in an enviable position.

- It seems that 2010 has turned out to be a successful year for our gymnasts!?

- In Azerbaijan there is competition, in the best meaning of the word, between all sports. Our sportsmen have always returned from European and world championships with medals. And this year the gymnasts have also laid the foundation of such a tradition. But we are aiming higher. After each victory we think of the next one.

Azerbaijani gymnasts have never gained so many medals at such prestigious tournaments before. I especially want to underline the achievements in combined events. The bronze medal we won can be compared with a gold medal because in gymnastics the competition has intensified and now it is more difficult to join the ranks of winners than earlier.

- For sure, the Russian team has special status in this competition?

- Nowadays, Russia dictates the fashion in rhythmic gymnastics. No doubt the Russian team is the main favourite here. But be sure that the Azerbaijan team is rightfully seen as a leading competitor of the Russian team. It was no coincidence that the Russian gymnasts won the gold and silver medals in the ribbon exercises at the World Championship and the bronze was won by Azerbaijan.

- So, the bronze won in the World Championship can be compared with a gold medal?

- In tournaments involving the Russian gymnasts, the majority of teams have no hope of gold. Gymnastics has a long history of development in Russia and has strong traditions generated over the years. It is a huge success to win a bronze medal against such a competitor.

- 2010 has also been successful for the team in group exercises

- With each competition our combined team pleases its supporters more and more in performance. Further achievements can also be expected in the future. I am confident that the team will become even stronger before the summer Olympic Games in London.

- By the way, what about preparations for the Olympic Games?

- Everything is going to plan. One of my greatest desires is connected with the summer Olympic Games. I want very much to earn an Olympic medal for Azerbaijan. The President of the Federation of Gymnastics of Azerbaijan, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, has provided us with every facility. Even the world's strongest teams can envy us. Therefore, our success is natural; it comes from the high level of training.

- What are the chances of earning Olympic medals?

- As a rule, the competition in the Olympic Games is very strong. Therefore, the slightest error can spoil everything. I would not like to anticipate events. I only know that we will do everything in our power to return with medals. It is time for Azerbaijan to win an Olympic medal in gymnastics as well. And when this desire of mine comes true, it will be possible to think of quitting the sport.

- Aliya Qarayeva is already thinking of ending her career?

- I will be 24 years old at the London Olympic Games. That is quite an age in gymnastics. As you know, rhythmic gymnasts end their careers quite young and so I must think about that, too.

- But it is not obligatory to leave a favourite sport completely. It is possible to continue a career as a trainer, as many have done.

- To tell the truth, I would try that if such an offer is made. I want to have my own school of gymnastics where I can teach children the secrets of rhythmic gymnastics. And so I cannot speak of a complete departure from sport.