Her name has been added forever to the roll-call of Russia’s heroes. Olympic champion, twice outright world champion, five times outright European champion, merited master of sport in rhythmic gymnastics - these are just some of her achievements. Alina Kabaeva is now a deputy in the State Duma of the Russian Federation, a popular TV presenter and a well-known public figure. Just before New Year she spoke to “Studiya” about her projects, youth policy and how to achieve the best results in sport and in life.
- Alina, 2010 is nearly at an end. What kind of a year has it been for you? What have you achieved and what didn’t you achieve?
- I’ve devoted a lot of attention this year to the projects being run by my charitable foundation - the Alina Kabaeva Foundation, which has existed for several years now. At first, I thought it would focus on sport alone, but then we set up other projects too. In 2010, we successfully ran projects like the Young Journalists’ School, the USE hotline and the “Alina” rhythmic gymnastics festival for children. And building work continues on the sports centre in Tskhinval.
Each of these projects means a lot to me. The CSE hotline was the Foundation’s first project. Over 3 years we’ve received more than 50,000 calls and around 3,000 e-mails. All the questions about specific subjects are answered by professors, and all those on procedures - by experts from the Education Inspectorate.
The Young Journalists’ School was set up during Youth Year. We run sessions twice a year for young people from many regions around the country: in 2010, we had young journalists from 50 regions. They enjoyed listening to lectures by well-known media personalities, including journalists such as Marianna Maksimovskaya, Sergey Brilev, Aleksey Venediktov and others. The School has a strong focus on journalistic ethics.
The “Alina” festival is like a big party where children from all over Russian can show off their abilities. For sport to develop successfully in our country we need to run competitions for children, but unfortunately, many parents don’t have the money to send their children to them. We help young athletes to get to the festival, where they have the opportunity to display their talent.
- Why did you decide to become a State Duma deputy?
- If you make life better for just one person it means your own life is not in vain. Duma deputies have the opportunity and the power to help people. Russia is a huge country and it takes a long time to improve anything here. So the people working at the grass-roots level play a very important role.
Living standards are quite low in Russia today. When I talk to ordinary people I admire their spirit and the way they overcome difficulties. I was an athlete for a long time and became used to working for best results. So I also try to get the best results from what I do now, and I’m really pleased that it’s working out.
- It’s often said that young people these days have nothing to aim for and don’t care about what’s going on in the country...
- That’s pretty much true. There are 38 million young people in Russia and most of them have no interest in politics. Sociological surveys by the Levada Centre and VCIOM have shown that the most important things for young people are social issues such as education, jobs and, of course, housing. These issues need to be addressed.
- And what kind of youth policy do we need these days?
- It has to be a policy FOR youth. We have to create an environment in which kids can fulfill their potential. But a lot depends on them as well. Time and again people have told me they would like to go back to socialism. Well yes, perhaps it was easier to live under that system, because the state decided everything for you. But that undermines you and takes away your initiative. In his state address, President Medvedev said that young people are the future of Russia. Very soon they will be running the country. We’re counting on our young people today and that’s really good. Young people in Russia have excellent prospects.
- Russia is very strong in rhythmic gymnastics. Do our competitors have a chance of winning the gold medal at the 2010 Olympics?
- Every country’s athletes have a chance. It’s hard to predict the results of the Olympics: the winner will be the one who can see his way through to victory against extremely tough competition.
- You’re also well known as a TV presenter. Do you like working in television?
- Very much. My own show is called “Steps towards Success” and is broadcast on Channel 5. I love the programme and my guests. I knew many of them before, but thanks to TV I’ve been able to get to know them better.
Journalism has become quite aggressive in Russia nowadays, but that’s not the way I want to work. The media shape our society and journalists bear a huge responsibility. I’m not saying that they should be hushing up any particular issues, because the truth is important. Without truth a country can’t develop normally. But you need to take an objective approach to everything.
- ÊWhat qualities do you think people need to be successful?
- When I was in rhythmic gymnastics I didn’t dream of success. I simply loved that sport and did my job well. Competing with others is not difficult at all; the most difficult thing is to master yourself. You have to do what you find really interesting and put all you’ve got into it. Success will then definitely come.
- They say that if you make a New Year wish it will definitely come true. Has that ever happened to you? What will be your wish for 2011?
- I really wanted to be an Olympic champion. But that wish only came true in 2004 (smiles). Now there’s only one thing I want: good health for myself and my family, because if you don’t have that you’re no use to anyone in sport or in any other walk of life. I’m going to make a wish, but I’ll only tell you about it when it comes true.
- How successfully do you think the Plekhanov Russian Economic University is developing?
- This is one of Russia’s top universities and it produces high-class economists. The students who enroll in your university have scored a big victory. Your rector, V.I.Grishin, is a colleague of mine in the State Duma. I’m confident that the University will continue to develop successfully.
Unfortunately, I missed out on student life because I studied in the extramural department of the Lesgaft University. But I still remember the unique atmosphere of that institution. So I would urge the kids to value their student years, to study hard and create a foundation for their future life.
- Do you have parting wish for our students?
- Look after your health, don’t be afraid of difficulties and try to be the best in everything! Best wishes and happiness in the New Year!
“Plekhanovskaya Studiya” magazine
Aleksandra Nikolskaya
December 2010
