Since the beginning of this season, the Olympic RG champion Evgenia Kanaeva has been one of the most successful Russian sportswomen. In July, at the University game in Belgrade, she single-handedly won five gold medals – which put our (Russian Federation) national team at the top of the gold medals list. Then, Kanaeva continued to shine at the World Games – which finished not long ago in Taiwan. During her 3-day short break in Moscow, «New News (Íîâûå Èçâåñòèÿ)» talked with the best "artist" in the world.

Q. Zhenya, honestly speaking, I did not expect to meet you in the gymnasium. Is it really impossible even to rest a couple of days?
A. It is true that it is impossible. It has never happened to me that I could lay aside everything else and be disconnected with training, even after the OG. In June there was a break in our season. I went home to Omsk, and had my second-year examinations at the physical culture institute. It might appear to be a different life, but nevertheless it is impossible to be without training. And I, frankly speaking, am not in my best condition yet. I know that if I skip training for a day or two, I will suffer and regret. On the other hand, probably, it is not too bad. It seems to me that hard work does not only apply to sport. If you engage yourselves seriously in any kind of business, it also means that it is necessary to be fully engaged.

Q. Is it nice to be famous?
A. I do not consider myself famous. What am I famous for? On the street I walk around comfortably, as nobody recognize me. It is the same when I am taking the underground train (metro). The only difference is that nowadays there are more interviews.

Q. But you don’t tell everything about yourself in these interviews …
A. I am not capable of explaining myself, which I think is not right. I know exactly this is what I need to learn to do so. Perhaps as time goes by, I will then think differently.

Q. Well, nevertheless, let’s try. In your opinion, what is your strongest quality?
A. Perhaps, purposefulness. I can endure a lot for the sake of what delights me. Many were surprised that I won the OG in my first attempt but, after all, it was due to a lot of hard work we did with Vera Efremovna. At 7.30 am we were already at the gymnasium before the carpet was even laid. Then it was time for the session on choreography, afterward – a light breakfast, a short break, then the second training, lunch, rest, the third training … And this has been the pattern of life for me, even now. However, I consider that it is better to suffer now while there are strength and enthusiasm. Then, for the rest of my life, I will have plenty of other moments to "rest" …

Q. From one prospective, you seem to be a person who does not know tiredness. Tournament after tournament, you won on each occasion …
A. This is an incorrect conception. I can get tired, too – sometimes very much. But I am glad that my life is like this – which I will not exchange it for anything else.

Q. How about as the person with the will of steel? Aren’t you like this?
A. No, certainly not. As any athlete, there are moments I feel like being shattered, crying, wanting to give up … I try not to think that I am the OG champion. There are still goals for me to achieve in gymnastics. For example, I need to work hard to become the absolute World Champion. And in each season there is always something new that happens. Under the new COP it is necessary to do new routines, and the WC now takes place every year. It is not a surprise that hard work is always required.

Q. As a matter of fact, thanks to you the Russian Federation national team has won the University Game and the World Games…
A. Frankly speaking, we together with the trainers did not expect such number of gold medals (nine in two events). It is not because of poor preparation or any hidden concern. It is simply that in our kind of sport the result is always unpredictable. The apparatus can jump out of the hands in any second, and we cannot be sure of any victory. At the University game, for example, my endurance was poor and my physical condition was not at its peak. I did not perform well. I made mistakes, and the judges noticed them. However, the other gymnasts made even more mistakes. July is not the peak of the season, and before the WC in September, there is still time. By the way, I was not aware that my medals had helped the national team to go top at the University game. When I was told about it, of course I was filled with strong emotions.

Q. To some people, victories increase confidence, while for some lay heavy psychological burden …
A. They give me strength. After each success when I come to the gymnasium, I feel that I need to improve more and to train better. I have also gained experience through each tournament and victory. But, sport – including RG, is more than this. When I feel how the spectators react to my performances, the satisfactions remain in me long after I leave the carpet. To some extent, for me having this title ‘OG champion’, helps to motivate me further. After all, the judging authority takes the role of giving the final scores. In this sense I present myself before the judges in a very serious manner by not giving them the slightest opportunity to doubt my ability. The title ‘champion’ drives me to go forward. A year ago, when nobody paid much attention on me, it was easier to step off the carpet.