Since Oleg Verniaiev’s return to elite artistic gymnastics after a few years out of the sport, he represented Ukraine at the Antwerp 2023 World Championships, where he and his fellow Ukrainian gymnasts qualified their country for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Oleg had a successful 2023, winning Gold on the Parallel Bars and Silver on Pommel Horse at the Szombathely World Challenge Cup and at the Mersin World Challenge Cup, and he previously became Olympic champion at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on the Parallel Bars, also winning Silver in the All-Around, and he has become European champion six times for Ukraine. Upcoming competitions for Oleg will include World Cups in Egypt, Germany and Azerbaijan, and he is currently developing his own gymnastics school. We spoke with Oleg about representing Team Ukraine at the Antwerp World Championships last year, becoming Olympic champion at Rio 2016 and his return to elite gymnastics and his upcoming competitions.
What was it like representing Team Ukraine at the World Championships in Antwerp last year?
I was very glad to return to sports and compete at the World Championships for my country; this is always a great responsibility and honour, especially at the present time for Ukraine.
How did you feel returning to the World Championships after competing there seven times before?
I try not to elevate certain competitions. For me, all competitions are important from the Kyiv City Championship to the Olympic Games.
What was it like qualifying Ukraine to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?
Very difficult. Unfortunately, the team did not perform at their full strength, but thank God it was enough for us to get to Paris.
How was it winning Gold on Parallel Bars and Silver on Pommel Horse at the Szombathely World Challenge Cup?
Performing in Hungary was, on the one side, easier, because I had previously performed in Turkey, but on the other side, it was more difficult, because fatigue made itself felt. My physical form at that time was weak and it was necessary to turn on experience to do my job.
How did you feel having the Mersin World Challenge Cup as your first international competition back?
I was very scared. I didn’t know what my feelings would be. Did the adrenaline for competitions remain as before or did it pass? After the first time on the podium in qualifying, I realised that I was still burning and wanted to perform.
What was it like winning two medals at the Mersin World Challenge Cup – Gold on Parallel Bars and Silver on Pommel Horse?
I just did my job, it wasn’t easy after such a break, but I’m happy with the result.
What is your usual training day?
In the morning we have exercises, then three to four hours of training, lunch, rest and second training, and so on every day except Sunday.
What are your favourite memories from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games?
Most of all, I always remember the All-Around fight with Kohei (Uchimura). Despite the fact that I lost what was, for me, the best and most interesting competition in my career, I was glad to compete with him at the same time.
How was it becoming the Olympic champion on the Parallel Bars and winning Silver in All-Around?
I went to Rio knowing that I would fight for gold. That’s how it happened. I’m glad that our work with the coach brought such a result.
What are the European Championships like to compete at and how is it being six-time European champion?
I have never counted the number of my medals, although I know people who do this even from the simplest competition. At that time, I knew that if I went to perform I would fight for gold, and this is how it has always been.
Do you have any favourite highlights of your gymnastics career so far?
There are a lot of such moments. Many medals are important in their own way.
How do you feel representing Ukraine at international competitions?
I have always been proud to represent my country, and now I am prouder than ever to be Ukrainian.
How did you get into gymnastics?
At the age of six, my parents brought me to the gym and that’s how my journey in gymnastics began.
How do you like to spend your free time?
There is no free time now. There is a lot of work in the gym and outside the gym. Since we are all trying to help our military who protect our country. My team and I are currently developing Oleg Vernyaev’s Gymnastics School, and it takes a lot of effort and time.
Do you have any competitions coming up that you can tell us about or that you are targeting?
From February, there will be a series of World Cups in Egypt, Germany and Azerbaijan.
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