"Someone needs to be patted on the back one extra time, someone else needs to be shaken up a little." Vera Shatalina talks about the gymnasts’ mood ahead of the competition in Minsk

Russia’s honored coach Vera Shatalina came to Minsk with her young students.  Among her famous students are Olympic champions Alina Kabaeva and Yulia Barsukova, world champions Dina and Arina Averina.

For many gymnasts, the Crystal Rose is the first serious international competition, and the coach told us how to get an athlete ready for a performance.

"Some need some extra pats on the back, others need a good word, and the others more, on the contrary, need to be ruffled a little bit. The first competition is very challenging. I think that a soulful attitude, and a right mindset is key. And the main thing is that the coach, the teacher, has the patience to wait until the child does not make mistakes, and go through this difficult path together with her," she said.

Vera also noted that this is not the first time she is coming to Minsk for a competition.

"I have a galaxy of athletes. In particular, Alina Kabaeva and I came here and performed. Although then there was no outstanding palace with Irina Leparskaya.  And now, after several years of construction, we come here as if it were our home. We are received very kindly. Ideal conditions for sports. And always such wonderful organization!"

The coach emphasized that there is a healthy competition between the Russian and Belarusian schools of gymnastics.

"They have excellent coaches working here. Such a gem in the heart of Minsk for such a small country. Why not? Competition is always a good thing!"

The International Crystal Rose Tournament and the II CIS Games are underway in Minsk on August 4-6.