Aleksandra Soldatova is a rhythmic gymnast from Russia. “Sasha” is the 2016 National  All-around champion, World and European Team Champion. Her situation right now is on controversy since Dina and Arina Averina were chosen by Irina Viner to compete in World Championships in Pesaro.

How did you start doing gymnastics?

We used to live in Ufa (Russia). My brother, who is 2 years older than me, did artistic gymnastics. Then, he moved to Pushkino. My mum wanted him to do gymnastics. In Pushkino, they also had a school of Rhythmic Gymnastics and there, I started to do it. I loved it since I started doing it.

How can you deal with stress before competitions?

I put myself in all stressful situations during trainings. For example, I execute all risks, masteries and verify all the elements in the routine. To all the gymnasts who are scared of competition I use to say: “work on it during trainings and then, you will realize that you will be more confident with yourself”.

Do you have any routine to be calm before competitions?

No, I don’t. The confidence comes with the experience.

Which is the most exotic thing you have tried?

I don’t remember… Maybe in Japan, it is a realy exotic culture for us. But I travel because of gymnastics and the only places I can see during this trips are hotel and gym.

Is there a country where you really would like to come back?

I haven’t fallen in love with any of the countries I have been to… But I love the ocean. I have been in Brazil and USA, but I didn’t have the chance to go into the beach

Sasha, what is your favorite colour?

Yellow. It has always been. It is a warm colour.

Have you always been that flexible?

Of course I had to strenght my muscles up, but my nature is to be flexible. I have flexible joints: knees and elbows.

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Have you ever had the thought of stop doing gymnastics?

No, I have never. N-E-V-E-R. Of course there are a lot of difficult moments, but I really don’t want to think to quit.

Do you often cry during trainings?

No, it is very rare for me to cry during trainings. Honestly, I don’t remember.

How do you choose your musics?

This is a long proccess. It is very difficult to find a music that you like.

Would you like to become a coach?

First of all I would like to do masterclasses but about a coaching career, well, I don’t see myself as a coach.

Who is your favorite Junior gymnast?

Sometimes I train with Anna Sokolova and perhaps she could be my favorite. Then, Lala Kramarenko and Polina Shmatk when she is training maximum

Do you diet?

All the gymnasts in Novogorsk (National Training Center) have tried tons of diets. I tried to eat just once a day but I couldn’t. I have even work with a nutritionist. The secret is to eat healthy and very often (4-5 times a day). I don’t eat sweets, but when I was in Croatia I could not diet and I ate pizza, ice-cream…I drink only water and I don’t eat fried things.

How do you deal when the scores are not as good as you think they would be?

The first part of the last season I didn’t win almost anything. These moments were really hard. I trained a lot, worked out…I had a lot of negative emotions and that even helped me to work harder.

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How many hours do you train in a day?

It depends on which part of the season we are. But in general terms, we train from 8 am to 1 pm during the morning and then from 3 pm to 6 or 7 pm in the afternoon.

Do you have a boyfriend?

Yes.

Which is your favorite leotard?

I really like the last one that Art-Blesk did for me (beige) but unfortunatly it doesn’t fit my routines at all. Another one that I really like is the black one I used last year for “Mama” (ball routine).

Sasha’s favorite leotard