My very first trainer was Margarita Samuilovna. That was in Tashkent, and I had just turned three when Margarita Samuilovna accepted me for the rhythmic gymnastics club. She trained us children really well: mostly playing, organizing relay games and incorporating elements of gymnastics in those relays.

That was very wise, because children really love to play. I’m grateful to Margarita Samuilovna, because she’s the lady who gave me my love for this sport.