Alina Maksimenko: “I love gymnastics very much and I don’t regret one bit that I give it the best years of my life.” Why is Alina Maksimenko expected on the carpet? Maksimenko Alina rhythmic gymnastics

Alina Maksimenko is a famous gymnast of Ukrainian origin, a talented world-class athlete. She is a multiple winner of world and European championships, master of sports international class, participant of 2 Summer Olympics as a member of the Ukrainian rhythmic gymnastics team. Main settingsgymnasts: height 174 cm, weight: 52-54 kg.

Family

The future gymnast was born on July 10, 1991 in the Ukrainian city of Zaporozhye into a family that loves and values ​​sports. Dad, Alexander Maksimenko, used to be fond of and even played football professionally. Alina’s younger sister Vladislava followed in her footsteps and is also involved in gymnastics, and Natalya Grigorievna Sanina trains her, just like Alina once did.

Alina began her sports life quite late by gymnastics standards: at the age of 7. Her first coach was Natalya Grigorievna Sanina. Until the age of 13, the girl trained under her strict guidance. Then Alina was noticed and invited to the famous Deryugin gymnastics school, where the famous Albina and Irina Deryugin became her coaches.

Sports career

Alina began her performances in the professional arena in 2006. At the European Championship, still considered a junior, Alina took 4th place in a team with Dasha Kushnerova and Lera Shurkhal. And in exercises with a skipping rope, the young gymnast came sixth.

In 2008, Alina Maksimenko, as part of her team, had the honor of participating in the summer Olympic Games ah, which took place in Beijing. According to the results of the team competition, the Ukrainian girls took eighth place. In 2009, Alina’s first individual performance took place at the world championship in Isa, where she became 16th in the all-around standings. And in a team with two Anna Bessonova and Rizatdinova, she won a wooden medal: the girls became only fourth. In 2010, at the World Championships held in Moscow, she took 5th position in the individual competition and became one of two gymnasts of non-Russian origin who made it to the final stage of the competition.

In 2011, the first personal victories came. Alina won a whole bunch of awards at the home stage of the World Cup, held in Kyiv: 3 gold and 1 silver medals. May 2011 brought Alina Maksimenko two more bronze medals at the European Championship: in the individual competition in exercises with clubs, paired with Anya Rizatdinova. The 2011 Universiade in China replenished Alina’s medal box with two more personal awards of varying denominations: silver for hoop and bronze for clubs. At the world championships of the same year in Montpellier, France, Ukrainian gymnasts became bronze medalists in the team competition.

In 2012, at the Deryugina Cup (one of the most prestigious tournaments), Maksimenko took the second step of the all-around podium, losing only to the Russian athlete Dasha Dmitrieva. At the second Olympic Games in her life in 2012, Alina became sixth in the all-around final.

At her last world championship, held in Kyiv in 2013, Maksimenko won third place in the clubs exercise program, but remained only in seventh position in the all-around. At the end of the 2013 season, after a series of injuries and illnesses, Alina Maksimenko announced the end of her professional career. Performances at the Italian club tournament became the extreme in her professional gymnastics activity.

Life after sports

After the official end of her career, Alina was invited to work as a coach at her native Deryugin gymnastics school, where she now actively and enthusiastically trains junior girls. In 2014, she made her successful debut as a coach. Her ward qualified for the Youth Olympic Games.

In 2016, Alina Maksimenko successfully organized and held her own tournament, where teams from different cities and regions of Ukraine participated. The main referee at these competitions was Natalya Sanina, Alinin’s first coach. In April 2017, the second Maksy Cup tournament was sold out in Zaporozhye. Within their cups former gymnast conducts many training master classes.

Alina is not only a talented gymnast, but also a certified specialist: behind her is a complete higher education at the Ukrainian National University of Physical Education and Sports.

Maksimenko is not only a gifted and successful gymnast with a worldwide reputation, but also a public favorite. In addition to the officially won medals and titles, during her career at various international tournaments she was repeatedly awarded the titles of “Miss Audience Choice” and “Miss Elegance” for her sophisticated style and unforgettable grace.

Now Alina Maksimenko often participates in demonstration performances of the Grand Prix in rhythmic gymnastics and, as a rule, makes a splash at them. Spectators always look forward to her performances, because they are filled with genuine emotions, boundless energy, and the fantastic grace of a talented gymnast. The most important ones sporting achievements Alina credits the love and support of viewers and fans.

Awards

Main sporting achievements:

• 2 bronze medals at the world championship;
• 3 bronzes and silver of the European championship;
• 2 silver and 2 bronze of the World Universiade;
• 2 bronze medals of the World Games;
• winner of the World Cup stages.

Titles and awards:

• Master of Sports of international class.
• Honored Master of Sports of Ukraine.
• Knight of the Order of St. Princess Olga, third degree.

Alina Maksimenko is a bright and unique phenomenon in rhythmic gymnastics. Ordinary spectators around the world adore her, and many young gymnasts call her their idol. What is Alina's secret? After all, she has neither an Olympic medal nor world championship gold. The answer is simple - charisma, artistry, musicality, and most importantly - this presentation on the carpet - emotions over the edge, performance at full power, as if for the last time. It seemed to me that Alina considered her main task to be doing each exercise in such a way as to leave the viewer without feelings. Like, I’ll throw the object as high as possible - and come what may, the main thing is that it will take the audience’s breath away. This is the only way I can explain her sometimes stupid mistakes and losses, which often cost her her pedestal. But a true fan of real gymnastics is always grateful for the gift of intense emotions, revealing musical images and, of course, risks on the edge of the possible. This is Alina's secret.

No lyrics. Alina Maksimenko is a Ukrainian gymnast, participant in two Olympics. At the 2008 Games in Beijing, she competed as a member of the national team in group exercises. After the Olympics she returned to individual program. In 2009, after Anna Bessonova left the sport, Alina became the leader of the Ukrainian team. At the 2012 Olympics in London she took sixth place. In 2013, she became a bronze medalist at the World Championships in exercises with clubs. After the World Cup, she ended her sports career.

Alina’s most powerful exercise, no matter how it changed, was always the hoop. The question of why Maksimenko never won a world championship medal with him torments me to this day;)

Fishing, which I’m still trying to move on to;), is Alina Maksimenko’s signature element. The hoop program could change every year, but this element was always included in it. What is important is that Alina could “screw up” in the exercise on other elements, but she always performed her signature catch without loss. And after that the hall always exploded and all the “mess ups” were forgiven by the audience.

World Championship 2010, Moscow. 5th place.

World Championship 2011, Montpellier, France. 5th place.

Olympics 2012, London.

World Championship 2013, Kyiv. 4th place.

Alina Maksimenko is one of the brightest gymnasts in Ukraine recent years. Alina is one of the few gymnasts who performed at the Olympic Games, both in the group championship (2008, Beijing) and in the individual championship (2012, London)

Biography

As a junior, Alina Maksimenko competed at the 2006 European Championships. Together with Valeria Shurkhal and Daria Kushnerova, she took fourth place in the team all-around, and sixth in the final of the jump rope exercise.

In 2008, Maksimenko as part of the group took part in the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China. The girls took the final eighth place. Since 2009, Alina began to compete in the individual competition. The gymnast finished her first world performance in Mie in 16th place in the all-around final, and in the team competition she became fourth (together with Anna Bessonova and Anna Rizatdinova). In 2010, at the World Championships in Moscow, she took fifth place in the individual championship. Maksimenko was also one of only two non-Russian gymnasts to qualify for all finals (the other being Aliya Garayeva).

She won 3 gold and 1 silver medal at the 2011 World Cup in Kyiv. In May 2011, Alina became a two-time bronze medalist of the European Championship in the team championship (with Anna Rizatdinova) and in exercises with clubs - individually. At the 2011 Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, she won a silver medal in the hoop final (28.100) and a bronze medal in clubs. Maksimenko, as part of the Ukrainian team (together with Anna Rizatdinova, Victoria Mazur and Victoria Shinkarenko) won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Montpellier.

In 2012, at the Deryugina Cup, the gymnast won silver in the all-around, losing to Russian gymnast Daria Dmitrieva. At the London Olympics, Alina Maksimenko finished sixth in the all-around final.

At the 2013 World Championships in Kyiv, Alina took third place in the final of the clubs exercise. She finished seventh in the all-around final. At the end of the 2013 season, Alina Maksimenko ended her sports career. Her last competitions were the Serie A club tournaments in Italy, where she played for the Virtus Gallarate club.

Sports achivments

• 2006 European Junior Championships - 4th place in the team, 6th place in the final with rope
• 2007 World Championships, Patras - 8th place in the all-around (group exercises), 5th place in the hoops/clubs final
• 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing - 8th place in all-around (group exercises)
• 2009 European Championship - 4th place in the team
• 2009 World Championship - 4th place in the team
• 2010 European Championship - 3rd place in the team
• 2010 World Championship - 4th place in the team
• 2011 European Championship - 3rd place in the team, 3rd place in the final with clubs
• 2011 World Universiade - 4th place in the all-around, 2nd place in the hoop final, 3rd place in the clubs final
• 2011 World Championships - 3rd place in the team, 5th place in the all-around
• 2011 Aeon Cup (Club World Championship) - 3rd place in the all-around, 3rd place in the team
• 2012 Olympic Games - 6th place in all-around
• 2013 World Cup, Bucharest - 2nd place in all-around, 3rd place with clubs
• 2013 European Championship - 2nd place in the team
• 2013 World Universiade - 3rd place in the hoop final, 2nd place in the clubs final
• 2013 World Games - 3rd place in the final with clubs and ball
• 2013 World Championship - 3rd place in the final with clubs

And believe me, I’m not alone: ​​in the comments under the video, on forums and in various in social networks fans around the world are nostalgic for the performances of this gymnast. Many newfags (a term denoting newcomers to the topic) do not understand us because they did not catch Maxi’s “era” on the carpet. Well, I will try to explain to everyone why I dream of seeing Alina on the carpet.

First of all, of course, we should talk about Alina’s emotions, which really come from the heart, touching every viewer. What are her demonstrative “Love a Way You Lie” or the same “I Paint Your Dawns” worth? It seems like completely different productions, different moods, but Alina masterfully tells these stories on the carpet. Every movement is filled with meaning and love. It is clear that Alina does not just perfect her movements and elements on the mat, it is clear that the gymnast puts her soul into it and gives herself and her emotions to the audience, which brings her unreal pleasure.

And this applies not only to demonstration performances, but also to Alina’s exercises. For example, the fiery tango in the exercise with the ball in 2013, which is the exciting Olympic hoop in 2012.

Alina is exactly the kind of gymnast who knows how to cope with emotions, for whom they only help on the mat and in no way hinder her.
Although small work the subject was not so developed (but more on that a little later, because it became more popular only after 2013), but Maxi’s risks were always on top. This gymnast, as if by a miracle (and in fact, through long and hard training) caught dizzying risks, under which she did two or even three somersaults. And the athlete’s throws were always near the ceiling, which took my breath away every time and always kept me intrigued: will she catch it or not?

So smoothly, I move on to a very strange and controversial point: Alina is one of the few gymnasts who managed to keep her audience intrigued at absolutely every performance. Yes, it's weird, but it's good. When you watch Alina’s performances over and over again, there is no feeling that everything will be fine. She always allows you to worry about her, which is also valuable. Agree, it would be strange if, time after time, we were always sure and simply knew who would perform and how?
I am also filled with great love for Maxi elements. All balances are perfect, never falls from turns. And what wonderful turns this gymnast has! One can only guess how she can keep her shape and strength for a long time!

Of course, I greatly appreciate Alina as a person. Her will to win, respect for fans, respect for her rivals - all this simply cannot but be liked about this gymnast.
And the most important argument leads us back to the showpiece performance that Alina performed at the Grand Prix in Kyiv: Alina is now in excellent athletic shape, which simply teases her fans around the world. I would like to feel the energy and power of this gymnast at least once, to see her happy smile on the pedestal. But a little of every good thing, isn’t it?

If you also want to see Alina at competitions at least once again, then write your five reasons for this in the comments, and if you didn’t catch Alina’s performance, then be sure to watch her performances on YouTube!

To say that Alina Maksimenko is beautiful is to say almost nothing. She would have lived in the times of Mozart or Pushkin - she would have inspired geniuses with just her glance...

BUSINESS CARD

Alina MAKSIMENKO

Ukrainian gymnast-“artist”. Master of Sports of international class.

Born on July 10, 1991 in Zaporozhye. The first coach is Natalya Sanina. He trains in the Ukrainian national team under the leadership of Albina and Irina Deryugin.

Highest achievements: bronze medalist of the 2009 European Championship in the team championship, medalist of the 2008 World Cup final in group exercises, winner of the World Cup stage “Deriugina Cup-2010” in exercises with a skipping rope and ribbon. At the 2010 European Championships she was eighth in the all-around, and at the 2010 World Championships she was fifth. Participant of the Olympic Games in Beijing (8th place in group exercises), participant of the 2012 Olympic Games in London (6th place in the individual competition).

Studying in third year National University physical education and sports of Ukraine.

At international tournaments she was repeatedly awarded the titles of “Miss Audience Choice” and “Miss Elegance”.

There is an opinion that if a girl is very beautiful, then she does not have to have the main human virtues such as intelligence, kindness, hard work, etc. They say that beauty more than outweighs everything else (or rather, the absence of everything else). Some individuals (as a rule, these are insecure men and envious women) even undertake to assert that among beauties, smart and kind ones are not found at all. In fact, this is, of course, not the case, and there are many examples that refute this stupid, although quite widespread, opinion. “Artist” Alina Maksimenko is one of them.

You can judge her beauty for yourself from the photographs. Evidence of her hard work is the fact that she has been training at the Deryugin School for six years and stoically withstands all the loads (by the way, I called Alina at 8 pm for several days in a row and at that time she was still in the gym). Kindness radiates from her beautiful eyes, which have an almond-shaped shape that is so atypical for Ukrainian women. Well, as for the mind, my heroine in this sense is the complete opposite of the boxer from the old joke, who claimed that he needed his head to “eat into it.” I hope you can understand this from her answers to my questions. And Alina is well-mannered, friendly, and open. A man in my place would probably add more - and she’s damn charming...

Alina, let's start with the most banal question. Tell me how you got into gymnastics? I know you are from Zaporozhye...
- Yes, and I took my first steps in sports there - under the leadership of Natalya Grigorievna Sanina. I trained with her from the age of seven to 13, until I was invited to the “Deriugin School”... By today’s standards, I came to gymnastics quite late. Most girls start training at the age of five or six, or even earlier. I remember when I was still very little, during some city holiday a woman came up to us, introduced herself as a coach and suggested that my parents send me to gymnastics. She noticed how inspired I danced to the music. But my parents didn’t have the opportunity to take me to classes then... And a couple of years later, the whole family and I once went into the gym of the Zaporozhye Transformer Plant, where gymnasts-“artists” trained. And I, frozen with delight, simply fell in love with this world overnight. The gymnastics carpet, huge mirrors, choreographic barre, multi-colored balls, hoops, ribbons - it all seemed so fabulous and exciting that I didn’t want to leave the hall. But even more I wanted to be in the company of girls in swimsuits. Just like them, keep your back straight, point your toes... In general, my fate was sealed...

Gymnastics is hard work dressed in a fun suit...

- The famous former Cuban athlete Sonia Pedroso once said: “Rhythmic gymnastics is hard work dressed in a light, cheerful suit.” And when you realized that in gymnastics there is both pain and tears...
- Yes, in our sport, behind the external lightness and beauty there is a lot of work hidden. And I must say, I was by no means some kind of gymnastics prodigy, grasping any movement in one go. For example, my flexibility and stretching are naturally average. And when they “stretched” me, it was painful, I had to endure it. But I understood why it was needed. In general, I like to overcome obstacles. In yourself - first of all. After all, if something doesn’t work out for you for a long time, but you don’t give up, but work purposefully, then when it starts to work out, you experience an incomparable feeling of satisfaction from your work...

There is no way to do gymnastics without flexibility and stretching.

- I immediately remembered Tamara Erofeeva, who, when asked about her favorite all-around event, always answered that most of all she loved the exercise with which there was a lot of “trouble” at the preparation stage...
- I can say the same thing. In general, I like working with the ball, I feel it well. As for the compositions, for example, the current exercise with a hoop was difficult for me at first. But when I got used to the character, it became one of my favorites.

- Tell us a little about your program for the 2011 season...
- Exercises with the ball and hoop remain the same. More precisely, their core is the same, but we have added new elements to increase base cost programs... "Maces" and "ribbon" are new. Moreover, Irina Ivanovna Deryugina changed the “tape” for me several times, so I can’t say the final name of the music yet. I like both compositions. But we still need to work on them... Irina Ivanovna demands that we not only carry out all the planned elements (as we say, all the “difficulty”), but also try to convey the idea of ​​the composition, to create some kind of holistic image on the site. Under the current rules, when the program is oversaturated with complex elements, this is not easy to do. But we still strive for this, otherwise it won’t be possible. gymnastics, but sheer trickery.

The technical committee of the International Gymnastics Federation wants to completely exclude the jump rope exercise from the program. What do you think about it?
- Yes, from now on the “jump rope” will not participate in the rotation of all-around events – at least until the Olympics in London. Previously, the set of items for performing at international competitions changed every two years - one of the five types was excluded from the program. The rotation took place in strict order - if there was no “skipping rope” for two years, then for the next two years the “hoop” was removed, then the ball, etc. Now they want to consign the jump rope to the “chest of history”, as happened with the exercise without an object... The FIG motivates its decision by the fact that this type, they say, is not very spectacular, the jump rope is almost invisible to spectators and television viewers.. Personally, I think this decision is wrong. After all, “jumping rope” is primarily about jumping. And jumping is one of the most spectacular elements in rhythmic gymnastics... However, we will still train the “jump rope”. After all, the Ukrainian championships are held in the hexathlon - all apparatus plus an exercise without an apparatus. By the way, I like to perform without a subject. In this form, the connection between rhythmic gymnastics and ballet is especially felt.

“I consider the FIG’s decision to exclude the jump rope exercise from the program a mistake”

- But you probably have very little time left to work on exercises not included in the main program. And in general, how difficult is it to get used to an object if you don’t pick it up for a long time?
- There is such a problem. For example, clubs were not included in the program of previous seasons. And when I started learning a new exercise, there was a feeling of unfamiliarity. Before the Ukrainian Championship, we train “non-main” sports for ten days, no more. Moreover, as a rule, we do the exercise ourselves. Or we remake the old one ourselves.

“Maces were not included in the international competition program for two years. I managed to miss them"

- Have you tried to stage compositions for other athletes yet?
- I tried it for the young gymnasts who train with us. This is, of course, an interesting, but also very difficult matter. Well, creating a composition that would touch some strings of the viewer’s soul and, moreover, would be competitive in sports terms is a real art. And I never cease to be amazed at Irina Ivanovna’s inspiration, who is able to stage so many new programs for both “individuals” and “group members” - and in different “genres” and styles.

- You are starting your second season as the leader of the Ukrainian team. Have you gotten used to this title yet?
- Well, this title is unofficial and needs to be confirmed every day. Of course, after Anya Bessonova left, I feel towards myself increased attention in training. But the coaches now demand much more from me than before. After all, Anya has raised the “bar” very high – not only with her results, but also with her attitude to work and determination. I still need to work and work to even get closer to her level.

Did Bessonova's departure somehow affect the atmosphere in the team?
- Actually, Anya still often comes to training, sometimes she even changes into her uniform and trains with us. Her mere presence in the hall gives us strength. Anya, of course, is a great athlete and a true leader, whose shoulder can be felt even from a distance.

I noticed that during today’s training (despite the fact that it was exhausting, at least it seemed so from the outside) you were in an excellent mood - you smiled, encouraged the other girls, and responded kindly and responsively to Albina Nikolaevna’s comments. Are you just such a “sweetheart” or is today just such a day?
- Actually, I try to control myself, even when things don’t work out. There are a lot of us in the gym, and if everyone freaks out and throws clubs and hoops out of anger, then how can we train? After all, mood is transmitted from person to person. If, say, something doesn’t go well for Anya Rizatdinova today, I will support her, and tomorrow she will cheer me up. Training is like running a long distance: it’s always easier to run if someone is running next to you... And being offended by coaches is generally stupid. On the contrary, I am grateful to the mentors for every comment, because it is made for a reason, but in the interests of work. I remember when Irina Ivanovna put on a “personal” program for me for the first time, I was in seventh heaven, with my mouth open, I caught every word of the coach...

- During today’s training, one of the gymnasts twisted her ankle, and you immediately came to her aid...
- I just showed her what needs to be done so that the bones quickly fall into place - rise on half toes and make a certain movement... In principle, there is nothing terrible here, the main thing is not to get scared and not to panic... In general, an athlete should be able to , in which case, provide first medical care– to yourself or someone else, even an opponent. After all, situations in life are different... Of course, at the “School” we have both a massage therapist and a doctor, but they are not always present at the training. To give a massage, to put a knocked-out finger back in its place – coaches teach us all this since childhood.

- I also noticed with what pleasure you assist the gymnasts in group exercise. More precisely, this is not even assistance, but real partnership work. Are you doing this at the behest of your coaches or own initiative? If you lead the group at the European and World Championships, as I understand it, you won’t be standing...
- Actually, anything can happen. What if someone gets injured and a replacement is urgently needed?.. After all, I started in the national team as a “group member”. And it was group exercises that opened the “doors” to big competitions - Grand Prix stages, European and World Championships - for me. I remember the joy of the whole team when, unexpectedly for many, we won a ticket to Beijing 2008. Memories of the Olympics still live in me bright colors... Of course, I hope that there is another Olympics ahead of me, where I will compete as an “individual”. But the first Olympic impressions are not forgotten. So I have sincere love and respect for this type of rhythmic gymnastics.

“I love being part of a team.” “Bronze” final of the 2008 World Cup. Alina Maksimenko – first on the left

- Albina Nikolaevna said that at the upcoming Ukrainian Cup, each of the “individuals” will definitely have to perform in at least one group exercise. Don't you think this is an extra burden for you?
- On the contrary. This useful practice and experience. After all, a racing driver benefits from driving cars of other classes? It's the same with us. And in general, I am not an individualist by nature, I like to work in a team.

Perhaps this question will not be very pleasant for you, and yet I cannot help but ask it. The 2010 World Championships were the first at which Anna Bessonova did not compete. And for the first time in many years, the Ukrainian team returned home without any medals. Do you, as a leader, feel guilty about this? And in general, what components do you think you need to improve so that the judges finally appreciate your programs?
- As for the first half of the question, throwing ashes on your head is not a solution. You don't need to blame yourself, but just work harder. I think I have a chance to get close to the leaders of world gymnastics in the near future... The main thing I still lack is experience - after all, the World Championships in Moscow was only the second for me, in which I competed as an “individual” " And in our sport, the recognition of a gymnast, her “unofficial” rating means a lot... However, I don’t want to reduce everything to the notorious factor of judicial bias. I myself still need to work hard to reach my full potential.

You have a very impressive appearance. Admit it, when you walk down the street, guys probably don’t let you pass, they just try to get to know each other?..
- Actually, all the girls on our team are pretty, as if they were a good choice. And we, of course, are not deprived of the attention of the male half of humanity. On the street or in public transport, many people pay attention: after all, we are a little different from most girls - we hold our backs in a special way, everyone’s necks are long, and we don’t have “Babels” on our heads, but neat hairstyles... But very few Which of the guys would dare to become our acquaintances - we look too unapproachable. But seriously, at this stage gymnastics is priority number one for me. And I push everything that interferes with training into the background. Not because I'm so correct, no. I just understand that there will still be time for other things and entertainment, but for sports career- No.

“Even during general physical fitness training I am never bored”

- What about offers from modeling agencies?
- There were some. When I finish performing, maybe I’ll try myself in this area. In the meantime, I repeat, gymnastics comes first for me. When you have a free minute, you need to adjust your “tails” at the institute. I am a third year student at NUFVSU. Of course, as a member of the country, I have free access, but I still have to take exams and tests. That's why I usually spend my day off doing notes and textbooks...

It’s worth making a remark here. In relation to Alina, I somehow don’t want to use the word “model”. After all, a model is something standard, replicated, similar to others. By and large, the task of female models on the catwalk is to highlight the merits of their outfits. Alina’s appearance is so bright that she will outshine any “couture dress.”

- Alina, do you have any activity “for the soul”. I understand that gymnasts have practically no free time, but maybe you sometimes embroider or weave macramé?...
- You really have to do handicrafts. But more out of necessity than for the soul. I mean finishing costumes for performances - sewing on various decorations, sequins and stones. This work is quite delicate and requires a lot of patience. Usually Irina Ivanovna is in charge of decorating our costumes. She loves this business. But when he doesn’t have time, he involves us in the work... As for the activity “for the soul,” I’m in Lately began to write poetry. I never wrote as a child, but now the rhyming lines just fall out one after another. I already have whole collection poems have accumulated.

Maybe you can quote a couple of lines?..
- Noooo. I'm not ready to publish them yet. I only read to close friends. They like it.

- And when does it write better – when the heart is happy or when it’s sad?
- It happens differently. It seems to me that poems are like love - they come when the time is right for them. But for this it is not at all necessary to be in love with someone, you just need a special - poetic - mood of the soul.

- You probably don’t manage to get out to your native Zaporozhye very often...
- Only on holidays and special occasions. More often my parents come to visit me in Kyiv. By the way, my father is a former football player, so he is familiar with the peculiarities of sports life...

- Do you maintain a relationship with your first coach?
- Certainly. Moreover, my younger sister is now training with Natalya Grigorievna.

- Well last question. What goals do you set for yourself for the 2011 season?
- The season will start very soon for me. Just the other day I’m going to America - to Los Angeles, where I will perform at a traditional international tournament. In general, I have one task - to perform as best as possible, to raise my rating. But that’s not even the main thing. Most of all I want to please the audience, coaches, and myself with my programs. In general, doing gymnastics... By the way, many people think that gymnasts-“artists” have a very boring and uninteresting life - they say, they sit in the gym all day long, there is no time to go on dates, they can’t eat cakes. This is not possible, that is not possible. It’s impossible to even get a haircut and a fashionable hairstyle - after all, it’s inconvenient to train and perform with short hair. But this is if you look at our life with a detached and very stereotypical look. In fact, only the person himself can determine the degree of “interest” of his pastime. Personally, I really love gymnastics and don’t regret giving it one bit best years life...

A minute of rest

At the 2010 World Cup in Portimao (Portugal), Alina Maksimenko received the title “Miss Elegance”, and Irina Rizenson from Israel received the Audience Choice Award.

Eight of the strongest gymnasts of the 2010 European Championship: Lyubov Cherkashina (Belarus), Daria Kondakova (Russia), Melitina Stanyuta (Belarus), Evgenia Kanaeva (Russia), Neta Rivkin (Israel), Aliya Garayeva (Azerbaijan), Silvia Miteva (Bulgaria), Alina Maksimenko (UKRAINE).

Sketch in black and white by photographer Enrico Della Valle