Interview by Vladislav LuchianovUkraine has always been famous for its skaters. Now lady's figure skating in that country is changing and changing quite well. Our guest is the Ukrainian Bronze medalist and a very promising figure skater Anastasiya Kononenko.
VLAD: Anastasiya, thank you for taking out the time for the interview! When did you feel first time you want to become a figure skater?
ANASTASIYA: I started skating when I was 3 years old. Besides skating, I also tried a hand at swimming and ballroom dancing. Since I was so young, I couldn't really decide what I should do, so we decided to see what I happened to be best at, and figure skating was it.
VLAD: Which skating moment was the most delightful in your childhood?
ANASTASIYA: I remember the time when I landed my first Axel when I was seven years old. The satisfied feeling of accomplishment was overwhelming.
VLAD: You are the Ukrainian Bronze medalist. Can you think back to that competition and tell us about your emotions?
ANASTASIYA: I didn't skate my short very well at that competition, so that was disappointing. I tried to forget about it and skate my long freely, and do the best possible job that I could do. Placing was good, but winning is something I strive for all the time.
VLAD: What do you think about figure skating in your own country? When will we see the next Oksana Baiul?
ANASTASIYA: Ukraine was a strong country in figure skating in past generations. There is a bit of a downfall in women's skating there right now, but I hope to change that in the near future.
VLAD: Figure skaters have to travel a lot. What is your favorite place in the world?
ANASTASIYA: I only started doing international competitions since last year, so I didn't have the chance to see the whole world yet. But, so far, I liked Dubai (UAE) the best.
VLAD: In my vision you have a good choreographic preparation. How many hours per week do you train and for how long?
ANASTASIYA: Thank you. I train 6 days a week, for approximately 12 hours a week.
VLAD: Do you have a favorite skater?
ANASTASIYA: I like Tara Lipinski, Yu-Na Kim, and from men I like Jeremy Abbott and Daisuke Takahashi.
VLAD: How do you manage your time between skating, study, free time?
ANASTASIYA: Skating is the main part of my life, so it takes up the biggest part of my day. I start studying as soon as I get home, in between practices and after practices. I have plenty of free time during the weekends.
VLAD: Which part of figure skating performance is easier for you: technique or artistry? And why?
ANASTASIYA: Artistry, because I'm naturally not a jumper. It is fun to present different characters to the judges and spectators on the ice.
VLAD: Could you tell us about your goals for the next season?
ANASTASIYA: I would like to win the Ukrainian Nationals and qualify for Europeans and Worlds.
VLAD: Well, Good luck to you at any of your competitions!
ANASTASIYA: Thank you very much for having me!
