At the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp, artistic gymnast Nazar Chepurnyi competed in the Vault final, winning Bronze for Ukraine, with the team being successful in qualifying a place at next year’s Olympic Games in Paris. In September, Nazar competed at the Mersin World Cup, where he came away with Gold on Vault and Silver on Parallel Bars, and at the 2023 Ukrainian Championships, he became the Vault champion after winning Gold. Nazar is hoping to be selected to represent Team Ukraine at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and aiming for the European Championships alongside his coach Genadiy Sartynskyi. Catching up with Nazar, he told us about winning Bronze on Vault at this year’s World Championships in Antwerp, his success at the Mersin World Cup in September and becoming the 2023 Ukrainian champion on Vault.
How was it competing at the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp for Team Ukraine?
The competition was at a very high level! Despite the mistakes we made, we managed to fulfil our main goal, which is to win a team license for the Olympic Games in 2024.
What was it like competing in the Vault final and winning the Bronze medal?
It was not easy to perform, realising that I had been preparing for these competitions all year and they are the most important this year, but when I performed there was a feeling of peace and satisfaction. There is no time to relax now, you have to work on.
How did you prepare for the World Championships this year?
It was a rather difficult process, which consisted of hard training, control training and competitions. This is daily work, without which there will be no result.
How was it winning Gold on Vault and Silver on Parallel Bars at the Mersin World Cup in September?
After many competitions, I got a little bit used to performing on the Vault, but it was very nice to get a medal on the Parallel Bars, since before that, apart from the Vault, I did not earn a medal on any of the seniors’ devices.
What was it like competing All-Around at the World University Games for your first All-Around at a major competition in four years?
It was hard, because at the beginning of the year I didn’t even think that I would resume All-Around, but thanks to the efforts of my coach Genadiy Sartynskyi, I managed to resume and perform at the Universiade.
How did you feel becoming Vault champion at the World University Games?
This medal caused me very happy feelings, precisely because my readiness at that moment was not one hundred percent, as I was still performing with an unrepaired wrist.
You won Gold on Vault at the 2023 Ukrainian Championships, how is it being the Ukrainian Vault champion?
It was joyful for me, because it was the first competition for a long time and at the same time there was an understanding that my path was just beginning.
How is the experience competing at World Cups like Cottbus, Doha, Cairo and Baku?
In general, I really like competitions like the World Cup stages. The atmosphere is always pleasant, performing is a pleasure.
What do you remember most from competing at your first senior World Championships in Kitakyushu in 2021?
I remember the Vault final the most, where I failed and made a mistake. But there is time to correct all mistakes.
What is it like representing Ukraine at competitions around the world?
It is a great honour for me! I am proud to represent our country, because I understand that the country, family, relatives, and everyone who cheers for me are behind us.
How did you get into gymnastics?
At the age of three, my parents took me to the gym, and when they saw that I was starting to get better, I stayed and continued to practice. And now the most important thing is that I get pleasure from it.
What is your usual training day?
I start with exercise (7:15-8:00am), then the first training (9:00am-1:00pm), then the second training (4:00-7:00 pm). And only then rest. And the same every day.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I used to like to play computer games in my free time, but now I prefer to spend time with my girlfriend or my friends.
Do you have any competitions coming up that you can tell us about or that you are targeting?
For me, the main goal is the Olympic Games! I also want to single out the European Championships, which will be held next year.
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