"I was thrilled in my new role because I have not judged at international competitions yet". Anastasia Salos talks about her new experience as a judge

Anastasia Salos, the many-time medalist of world and European championships, worked at the first stage of the Cup of the Strongest among the judges.

Anastasia shared her emotions from her debut as a judge at an international tournament in Kazan:

"I was nervous about this new role because I'd only judged national competitions in Belarus before, and I hadn't judged any international competitions yet. You could say this was my debut as a judge. I think I can say that as a judge, competitions move faster than off the carpet, as a coach or a gymnast. Because you're constantly on your toes and constantly need to be calculating, watching, and figuring things out. I took the exam last year after finishing my athletic career. Since it was my first time taking it, I got Category Four. I think that in the future, if I get hooked, I'll get a higher category."

The specialist noted that she remembered many gymnasts and teams:

"I really liked a lot of the girls today, even the group routines. Although, to be honest, when I was preparing for my exams, group routines were a complete mystery to me. But once you get into it, everything becomes clear. There are so many talented kids who, I hope, will prove themselves on the international arena in the future."

Anastasia also told how her work with gymnasts, with whom she used to train, is developing:

"I'm going through a transitional period right now, starting to coach. For example, I'm currently working with Nikole Leuta and Alina Rechkina, working with Larisa Gennadyevna, and Alina and Nikole train with Larisa Gennadyevna, and therefore, with me. And sometimes it's difficult to maintain this chain of command, when in real life I'm still their friend, but in the gym I'm already their coach. We're managing it for now, but I still feel a certain respect from them. I felt that respect when I was an athlete, because after all, I'm older, and they probably looked up to me in some ways. But now I'm also happy that I can offer them advice, both as a coach and as a judge."