In June, Petro Pakhniuk competed at the Koper World Cup, winning Gold on the Parallel Bars and Silver on the Pommel Horse, and at the Doha World Cup last year, he won Silver on the Parallel Bars. Alongside his Ukrainian teammates Illia Kovtun, Igor Radivilov and Yevgen Yudenkov, Petro made the Team final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, as well as qualifying for the All-Around and Parallel Bars finals. Petro was part of Team Ukraine at the 2020 European Championships in Turkey, where they became European champions, and Petro also competed in the Parallel Bars final, coming away with the Silver medal. Upcoming aims for Petro are making the top 12 at Bundesliga and France. Speaking with us, Petro answers our questions about winning a Gold and Silver medal at the Koper World Cup in June, being part of the Ukrainian team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and how he felt winning Team Gold at the European Championships in Turkey.
How did you find the experience at the Koper World Cup in June and how was it winning Gold on the Parallel Bars and Silver on the Pommel Horse?
Every time I compete at the World Cup, it is a good opportunity to try new routines, elements, and prepare my mind for bigger competitions.
Can you tell us about competing at the World Cup in Osijek and what was it like to be part of?
In Osijek, I bought coffee every day in the cafe and when people saw my Ukraine equipment, they very kindly gave it to me for free so I didn’t have to pay. 😁
What was it like qualifying for the Team final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and what did you enjoy most about competing with your Ukrainian teammates Illia Kovtun, Igor Radivilov and Yevgen Yudenkov?
It was my target to represent the team at the last Olympics. I was a little bit sad about the head coach asking Kovtun to not do All-Around, as we couldn’t show our best team results, but it was a big honour for me anyway.
You also qualified for the All-Around and Parallel Bars finals, what were they like to compete in?
The final in Parallel Bars gave me self-improvement. I’m in the best eight in this in the last four years. I’m sad I didn’t earn a medal, but every time I get stronger.
How was your time at the Doha World Cup in June 2021, where you became the Silver medallist in the Parallel Bars?
In Doha, I tried my routine in Parallel Bars for the Olympics, and earned my high score.
Do you have any favourite memories from competing at the 2020 European Championships in Turkey, where Ukraine won Team Gold and you won Silver on the Parallel Bars?
I have lots of memories of the competition in my mind. Team Gold was incredible.
Can you tell us about your typical training day?
I’ve trained five to six hours per day for the last 20 years, and can only say that it is the best 20 years in my professional sport.
How do you like to spend your time away from gymnastics?
All free time I like to spend with my kids and my wife.
Do you have any upcoming competitions you can tell us about or that you are targeting?
My target now is top 12 at Bundesliga and France.
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