SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE IN BAKU!

Baku hosted yet another prestigious competition—the world championship in trampoline gymnastics at the National Gymnastics Arena.

Before the start of the tournament, all athletes, coaches, and referees went through an oath ceremony to remain faithful to the rules fair play. The community of athletes was represented by the Azerbaijani athlete Mikhail Malkin.

In his addressing at the opening ceremony of the event, Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov, said that Azerbaijan was recognised as a successful organiser of competitions in various sports, primarily gymnastics competitions. The minister noted that the country was hosting the world championship in trampoline gymnastics for the first time. He underlined that the attendants highly appreciate the organisation of the competition, modern sports facilities of Azerbaijan, and hospitality.

President of the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIQ) Morinari Watanabe said that at the 35th World Trampoline Gymnastics Championships in Baku, he would be happy to watch the performance of the best athletes. Watanabe also thanked the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation for the exemplary conditions created for the guests.

The four-day event was attended by up to 300 athletes from 33 countries. Athletes have demonstrated their skills in individual and synchronised trampoline jumping, tumbling, and double mini-trampoline. The winners were determined in the team all-around, as well as in the team event for each program.

In tumbling, Azerbaijan was represented by the European champion Mikhail Malkin. Thanks to his high performance in complex exercises at the qualification stage, the Azerbaijani athlete became one of the eight athletes who made it to the finals. He received 76.300 points from the referees and became the second strongest athlete of the championship. The first place was awarded to the Russian gymnast Alexander Lisitsyn (80,000). American Kaden Brown (75,400) became the third.

Self-confidence and fight to the end

Commenting on his new achievement at the championship, Mikhail Malkin said that he expected a successful performance: “I was sure that I would win a medal, as I felt myself technically confident. My coach said that I must believe in victory. I didn't want to let my friends down, because they got my word. I braced myself and finished the second."

The 25-year-old athlete told us about his serious preparation for the competition in the last two months: “I had difficulties due to a shoulder injury. Every step, every medal, every event is a new experience. You just have to pick up the pieces and fight to the end."

The European champion said that his injury would not allow him to join the 28th world championship in age groups: “I want to heal my shoulder injury. That’s why, at the upcoming competition, I will simply come to the National Gymnastics Arena to support my teammates."

Malkin also told us about the difficulties with training during the pandemic: “We were not allowed to the gym during the pandemic. I had to do workouts on the street. To be honest, I was a little afraid to jump after the opening of the hall. But then I felt that I was stronger than before."

Malkin's silver medal at the championship, despite the high level competition, is indeed a high result. This is the first medal won by our athlete in his career at the world championship. Hopefully, after the treatment, Malkin will be in even better shape.

Interesting moments

Three-time Olympic medallist, world champion in trampoline gymnastics, Karen Cockburn (Canada), and the winner of the world and European championships in trampoline gymnastics, David Martin (France), said they were truly impressed by the organisation of the event.

Star ambassadors noted that Baku had a wonderful arena, with ideal conditions for training and competitions. Cockburn thanked the local organizing committee and the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation for the high level of organisation of the competition: “The world championship had some interesting moments. We watched the performance of both famous and new athletes. We enjoyed the show in Baku. We are proud to be the star ambassadors of such an event. After the pandemic, holding any competition is difficult. I must say that Baku, as always, surprised me with its organisational skills. Both athletes and guests enjoyed the event."

The winner of the world and European championships, David Martin, also said that he was leaving Baku with good impressions: “Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation organised the competition perfectly. The athletes were provided with excellent conditions. Atmosphere at the National Gymnastics Arena was great and we really enjoyed being here, being part of the championship. We are leaving Baku with good memories." He added that next year there will be changes in the rules of trampoline gymnastics and the combinations in exercises will have an added complexity.