Emin Garibov - I will compete for Russia, but remember Azerbaijan

In an interview with Inessa Rasskazova, Emin Garibov has confirmed that he is continuing to recover from serious shoulder injury and is preparing to represent Russia at the Rio Olympics.

Emin, whose family are from Azerbaijan, said, 'I am proud to represent Russia, but always remember about Azerbaijan.'  His parents raised him in the Azerbaijan tradition, but he never learned to speak Azerbaijani.  'In my childhood in Moscow, friends at school were Russian and in training we spoke only in Russian. At home, I was brought up in the Azerbaijani tradition ... Deep down I am sorry, even a little embarrassed, that I do not know my native language.'

'In 2008 I was offered the chance to compete for Azerbaijan ... But I grew up in Moscow, had worked with my coaches for years.  I was not mentally ready to change everything and leave, after everything I and my coaches have done.  They made me a world-class gymnast, I have invested so much physical and mental energy.'

'I am in the final stage of recovery from my injuries and I am now working on the apparatus, getting ready for the Russia Cup in September.  A few problems still remain.  I will know if I will compete at Worlds after the Russia Cup; I can't promise anything now - to rush things would be dangerous.  The injuries - to both shoulders - were serious - needed four operations.  I would like to compete, but unfortunately this doesn't come quickly.'

'Rings is not my signature piece, there are plenty in the team who can compete there - I am focussing on three apparatus - pommels, p bars and high bar ... I need to be very careful.'

Emin got into gymnastics when his mother took him with his brother to the gym.  His brother left after a while, but he stayed.  He comes from an ordinary family, and likes to finish what he has started.  He 

likes Kohei Uchimura and says 'he just came down from heaven'.  It is difficult to compare with past legends such as Chukarin, Shaklin and Andrianov as the sport has changed so much.

When asked is he frightened of re-injury, Emin says 'only fools are fearless'.  He says he is not afraid of the apparatus, but just needs to take care of his body.

 

Source - http://moscow-baku.ru/news/society/kapitan_sbornoy_rossii_po_gimnastike_chempion_evropy_emin_garibov_ya_s_gordostyu_vystupayu_za_rossiyu/