20. Oktober 2006  
Berlin / Germany  
Rhythmic Gymnastics

Berlin Masters 2006:Press conference, training, excitement before competition

World Champion Olga Kapranova (l.)
and European Champion Vera Sessina
in a happy mood.

Today it was a day of arrival and training for the delegations of the Berlin Masters. For the representatives of the media the Berlin Masters already started in the morning in the venue "Max-Schmeling-Halle" in Berlin.
Sonja Schmeißer, head of press of the tournament, welcomed in addition to the president of the organising committee Sven Karg also Heide Bruneder of the Grand Prix committee, the top- gymnasts Vera Sessina and Olga Kapranova from Russia as well as Inna Zhukova from Belarus. In addition to them the German gymnasts Johanna Gabor, Daria Stolbin, Klaudia Wittmann and Germany's head coach Birgit Guhr were also present.

OC-president Sven Karg welcomes the gymnasts and guests

"We are proud to be able to hold the final again here in Berlin“, said Sven Karg at the beginning of the press conference. He regretted the last-minute withdrawl of super-star Alina Kabaeva: "She had to withdaw for health reasons. Nonetheless we have European and World Champions at our tournament and the leading gymnasts of the Grand Prix. It will be a great event!"

22 individual gymnasts and three groups from overall 13 nations take part in the tournament. In addition to them 3 show-routines from groups will be presented as well as individual performances of the two most successful German juniors Karolina Raskina and Alexandra Zapekina.

The new European Champion from this September Vera Sessina was asked if her popularity in Russia increased due to this victory: She said laughingly:"Yes, maybe a bit. However, my main work are my routines, the performances in a competition and I'll continue to train hard in future." Sessina also is the "covegirl" of this years program-magazine.

Olga Kapranova, the current World Champion, couldn't take part in the European Championships this year due to the strong competition in her own country. Was she sad about it or did she even became stronger through this? "In our country there is a hard selection. I have accepted this decision and will improve in future."

Already for the 6th time Inna Zhukova has come to Berlin: "I have always made good experiences here. The conditions in the venue and the audience motivate a lot. This year I want to be even better than in 2005!"

Concerning the international ranking of this tournament mentioned Heide Bruneder, representative of the Grand Prix Committee: The Grand Prix Committee has definitely proved it's value and is being held now for the 11th year. Every year more interested parties join it. 2006 we had nine tournaments, 2007 it might be ten or eleven. Maybe the series will continue also outside Europe, also Japan has mentioned their interest in holding a Grand Prix tournament."

Johanna Gabor and Germa's head coach Birgit Guhr
Fotos: Dirk Zimmermann

Germany’s national champion Johanna Gabor competes in her first year as a senior and isn’t bothered by too many tournaments up to now: Many competitions motivate, because your routines always get more stable and you learn to cope better with nervousness. Especially in front of home crowd it works well. I just want to show what I’m able to do.” Her sportive strenghts? “I think I’m expressive and can compete for the audience and try to present the music to the audience and to interpret it well. When I do it well, my clubs routine is the best.”

„Especially Johanna improved a lot this year“, said Germany’s head coach Birgit Guhr. „She managed the step from the juniors to the seniors well. She has a good basis in her gymnastics and improves steadily and already managed to do well between international top gymnasts.”

What are the goals for the German delegation in the competitions this weekend? "We have high goals: We want to reach at least one final through the points for the routine, without counting on the wildcard for the host.“