I always used to worry and get flustered before each competition, but I never let it show, of course. From the outside it probably seemed as if I was unconcerned, that everything was fine and I was all smiles. But you can’t imagine what was going on inside me at those moments.

And I always carried the thought that I mustn’t lose. Not in the sense that Alina Kabaeva had to be No.1 and only No.1. I just realized that I couldn’t let people down…I couldn’t disappoint my Mum and my trainer and all the people who had done so much for me and to help me win. If I were to lose, I’d be ashamed to go back to Russia. I couldn’t imagine how I would look into the eyes of the people who supported me. And if Russia were to lose as well because of me, it would be the most horrific disgrace. I always suffered a lot when I lost.