Mustafina Interview 2 of 2 : 'I will only perform under the Russian flag'

Argumentyi i Fakti interview with Aliya Mustafina
Translated by Marina Vulis

‘I have no fear’, says Aliya Mustafina.  ‘My father [Farhat Mustafin, the bronze medallist in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1976 Olympics] took me to my first gymnastics class.  In his opinion children need to do sports, and he saw gymnastics as useful for my general development.  He had no goals – just to let us practice.’

It did not end with ‘just practice’ – she became the World Champion at 16, but then had an ACL injury the next year (2011) at the Europeans.  Even just returning to gymnastics is a feat; then she came back to win four medals at the 2012 Olympics.

Aliya Mustafina – That injury.  I do not know why I was ashamed – so many people were watching me and I could not even walk.  My parents!  They saw everything on TV (the coach had to carry her from the podium).  Of course I was aware that anything could happen in gymnastics, but I did not believe it would happen to me.  Then it happened.

Roman Ivanov – Did they tell you that you would have to retire?

Not directly.  No one would dare.  But there were speculations that very few could come back after such an injury.  However, I paid no attention to that, set a goal of coming back, and pursued that as a goal. 

Are you afraid it could happen again?

No

Why?

If I could survive it once, then I could do the same a second time around.  It is not a good idea to be constantly afraid of injuries.  Nothing good will come of this.

So they say ‘Mustafina is made of iron’ for a reason

I am normal, made from the same stuff as others, but honestly I do not like to talk about myself.

A while ago you used to avoid the press

How would I explain this.  I am a very shy person, and do not like personal questions.  True, over the years I have learned how to react better.

How does the Aliya Mustafina who won medals in London 2012 differ from the one who is now preparing for Rio?

The other Aliya was only 17 years old.  You know the saying, ‘everything is easy and simple for small, short kids’?   As you grow older, it is physically harder; but on the other hand, age brings experience.  It means a lot.

Is it hard to prepare in the current atmosphere surrounding the entire Russian team for the Olympics?

I try to avoid the news and the internet.  My job is to work to the very end, to do my thing and whatever happens, happens. 

Unlike you, the track and field athletes will not be participating in the Olympics.

What is happening to our sports is awful.  Probably somewhere, they have given a reason for this but why do innocent people have to suffer because of a few others?  Can you imagine the feelings of the people who were honestly preparing for the Olympics?

You said that you would not perform under the white IOC flag in the case of a blanket ban, right?

Yes, I only want to perform under the Russian flag.  This is my choice, and I do not condemn the choices of others, even though I do not think it is right.

Does gymnastics have a problem with banned substances?

I personally never came across any.

You didn’t even use the ‘infamous’ meldonium?

When I was ten years old, they gave it to everyone, then they stopped.  I honestly still do not get what it is and how it helps.  In fact, our team doctor prescribes all medications for the gymnasts, and he carefully checks for forbidden ingredients.  He is responsible for all medications and I trust him.

The other unpleasant part of sport is subjective judging.  Have you come across this?

In our sport, everything depends on the judges, especially when talking about hundredths of a point.  Sometimes the Difficulty score isn’t counted in its entirety – but what are you going to do?  You won’t cry, right?  Just make sure in your performance that you will give no reason for that.

They often call you the team leader, do you consider yourself to be so?

We have a normal team, there is no need to ‘pull rank’ on anyone, everyone knows what to do and they hardly need a leader

But what is needed?  What would you like to change in gymnastics?

The biggest problem is that too few children are doing gymnastics, so there are not many gymnasts to select from.  Other countries have a bigger reserve.  We need to address this. 

Do you think that your success comes from your genes?

A combination of good genetics and a desire to succeed and work, work, work. 

How long do you spend in the gym?

At the moment on average, about seven and a half hours each day.  It’s not enough anyway.  I have been practically living at ‘Round Lake’ for the last five years.  I only visit Moscow at weekends to see my parents and my sister, to unwind.  Sometimes, I am so tired I do not have enough energy for a trip to Moscow. 

‘I’m tired of it all’.  You have probably had these thoughts

A few years ago, I realised I had to stop training for a while, listen to myself and decide what I wanted to do.  Fatigue had built up after the London Olympics.  I had practically never rested.  You know, we usually only rest when we are sick, but then we are hardly ever sick.  Finally, I reached the limit of my moral strength.  I skipped gym for about one and a half months, stayed at home with my family.  I was just living, everything became easier.  Eventually, I came back to Round Lake.

So you can’t imagine life without gymnastics?

Why not?  But a little bit later.

Nevertheless, you decided to get a sports education

After high school.  I studied economics at the Oil and Natural Gas University until I realised that I could not combine this type of education with gymnastics training.  I transferred to the University of Physical Culture, Youth and Tourism.  It is simple; for now, my major is coaching, although I have not decided if this will be my occupation.  I will probably need to take another degree.

So what would you like to do in the future?

(Smiling) Be a mum.

Would you bring your daughter to artistic gymnastics?

No, to rhythmic.  It is beautiful.  And artistic gymnastics has me (laughing).