Sports psychologist Irina Kozyr talks about her work with Academy gymnasts at the Russian championship

Sports psychologist Irina Kozyr told us during the Russian championship in Kazan how she helps gymnasts at the tournament:

"The competition was emotional: both in a good and a bit of a tense mood. But nevertheless, they happened and we got the results. Good, on the one hand, but there is something to strive for. The most important thing is that we did a self-analysis with the girls: both with the individual and with the group members. There were intense training sessions, and it was about overcoming. The girls had to overcome themselves. It was difficult for everyone, for the girls, for the coaches, and  for me as a psychologist, because I had to stay with some gymnasts, analyze and get them ready for the next day, so that everything would work out and not go down to zero."

The specialist also explained how the work is structured in the Academy team:

"We had a team effort. What was important was that I was an observer. And we agreed with the coaches and the girls in particular that if there were any issues, they would point them out, come up, and we would try to resolve them point by point so that everything would be fine for them when they got to the competition."