Glasgow Winners Tell All
30th October 2004by Kelly Hackman (V. Atkinson)
The first final for the men was the floor, won by Brazil’s Diego Hypolito. But China dominated the other two men’s events with Xiao Quin the convincing winner on Pommel Horse with a 9.9, the highest score of the competition so far. Huang Xu took gold on the Rings.
In the Women’s finals, Elena Zamolodchikova of Russia showed why she is ranked number one in the World cup series on Vault winning gold on this apparatus.
Li Ya made it three gold medals for China winning the Bars just ahead of Great Britain’s top gymnast, Beth Tweddle.
At a press conference the gold medal winners answered questions about the competition, the Olympics and the future.
Elena Zamolodchikova said the gymnasts are happy to be nearing the end of a difficult season that has included the European and Olympic Games.
Speaking about the Olympic Games she said: "The Russia team is particularly happy with the bronze medal we won in Athens.
"Immediately after Athens I had three weeks break and I had to catch up on my studies at University and was not training as hard as usual - now I am back in training."
Elena did not rule out a third Olympic Games and said: "I hope to continue my training so who knows. I hope I can make my third Olympic Games."
Asked about the speculation that the great Svetlana Khorkina may retire, Elena said the Russian team has not yet confirmed the news.
She said: "Of course we would be very sorry if she decides to leave because she has been a really great support for our team and she will be badly missed."
Elena said she would do her best to take over the captain’s role if the situation arose.
"If the circumstances put me in this role I will do my best to justify this leadership and I will give all my support to the team members.
"I know how difficult it is to keep cool when everybody else might be doubting."
Speaking for the Chinese gymnasts, Rings champion Huang Xu spoke about China’s disappointing results in Athens.
He said: "Although we did not do so well in the Olympic Games, we try to treat every competition like the Olympic Games and make every effort to get the best result. Athens was just one bad competition."
Asked whether the older generation would be retiring he said: "There are national games in the next year and all gymnasts will compete in this. We will look at the needs of our country and the substance of our body and decide if we will be able to train on."
Bar champion Li Ya who was a favourite with the crowd said: "I feel that the audience likes me. I think the main reason is that I am always smiling, that is what the audience and the judges like to see."
Brazilian star, Diego Hypolito spoke about the reaction of his country to his gymnastic success.
"The boom of gymnastics in Brazil started two years ago with the success of me and Daniele (his older sister, also competing in Glasgow) reaching the finals in the World Championships in Ghent.
"Over then next two years with Diane De Santos’ success at the World Championships in Anaheim and now these results it is like a little revolution."
Brazilian coach Renato Araujo agreed: "This success is making Diego (Hypolito) very popular in Brazil. We expect to have a Brazilian festival when we go home to celebrate." "When the Olympic Games was on the country stopped to watch our gymnasts."
For Diego, competing in Glasgow is a family affair, with sister Daniele also featuring in two finals (Bars and Floor).
Diego said: "I am very happy that one family can produce two successes and we enjoy travelling as brother and sister."
The action continues on Sunday with the Women’s Beam and Floor finals and the men’s Vault, Parallel Bars and High Bar.