As they began to dismantle the foundations at the "Expo" in Tel Aviv after the European Championships in successful artistic gymnastics that Israel had, at the end of the hall, Daria Atmanov was sitting on the couch.
No, she did not really find a moment to rest, but moved from one media outlet to another, ones who remembered to arrive at the last minute when they heard about her success and flocked en masse, and even received phone calls from foreign journalists from abroad who wanted to know who the industry's new wonder girl was.
There is an heiress!
Daria Atmanov European Rhythmic Gymnastics Champion >> https://t.co/XcgjMPLu89 pic.twitter.com/XSFv0ZJAWV
- Oren Aharoni (@Oren_Aharoni) June 18, 2022
Atmanov, 16, who until a few days ago did not even have an entry on the Hebrew Wikipedia, has already been marked by the junior as the heiress of Linoy Ashram, with whom she grew up at Hapoel Rishon LeZion. Now, having won the European title Olympic, to which she added three more silver medals - the future looks rosy.
Anyone who thinks Atmanov will rest on his laurels is wrong, because she will soon be back training for two more important competitions that await her: next month's World Games in the US and the September World Championships in Bulgaria. "All these interviews are more tiring than competing," laughed Dasha Special for "Israel Today." "I'm still trying to digest last week and only now am I beginning to understand what I did here.
I had a successful championship, but I did not believe I would finish it that way. "
Atmanov in the film exercise, Photo: Oren Aharoni
How did it feel on the podium?
"It's always exciting, a crazy feeling. It's fun and proud. I'm glad I was able to show what I know how to do, I enjoyed the competition from the first moment."
And you did it at such a young age.
"I did not think about it. All I wanted was to show the best I could."
The audience also helped you.
"Very. When I got on the surface I heard it, and it gave me more drive and a lot of power. I felt there were people behind me and I was not allowed to disappoint them."
Feel like stepping into big shoes after Tokyo and Ashram's gold?
"I do not think I have a connection to Tokyo. I am with my achievements, step by step, not in a hurry. True, I came from the same Linoy hall, but I am me."
Atmanov with Linoy Ashram, the new coach, Photo: Oren Aharoni
How do you explain the success of the industry in recent years?
"I believe it's thanks to our amazing coaching staff, the gymnastics association, the Olympic Committee. Everyone is at an amazing level, supporting and helping with everything they need."
What is this Olympics for you?
"For me it's a dream, it's the biggest ambition. Every athlete wants to get there and give the impression of his life, but I still do not think about this day, there are many more competitions on the way."
The ball exercise, Photo: Oren Aharoni
Sussman: "There are more goals" The
one who stands by Atmanov is the super coach Ayelet Sussman, who said: "A real dream championship, there was great excitement. We managed to do the unbelievable and make so many people happy."
Did you believe before the championship that we would finish like this?
"We raise the difficulty level with the team every time to be there, we work very hard, and even after a bad start I told Daria to be focused and remember what Linoy had after the first exercise in the Olympics and that the competition has just started and she can do it, because I believe in her."
Daria, you are a true champion!
Teammates — You are champions!
I congratulate the new European champion, Daria Atmanov, and the entire team, who honored us and brought two gold medals to Israel at the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.
All of Israel is proud of you 🇮🇱❤️ pic.twitter.com/yduFncw3Hf
- Naftali Bennett Bennett (@naftalibennett) June 18, 2022
How does it affect taking a championship at such a young age?
"Daria is very young and this is really her big official competition in the seniors, but even when she was in Junior she took a medal at the European Championships. Even then people talked about her, it's not that they did not know her. Daria is still young and if she does what she did here, then "She can screw up in the top three. She is aiming for that."
Daria seemed to enjoy the competition.
"She loves the crowd and is really happy. Because she's young, it gives her a drive. I'm happy, because it means she likes to fight. Now she's given three days to rest and then she's back to training, because we have more goals on the way."
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us
