Idman.biz
The Azerbaijani national trampoline gymnastics team has started preparing for international starts. The upcoming season can be called a crucial test stage on the eve of the Olympic qualification.
The team plans to compete for several licenses to the Los Angeles Olympics at the same time, which was reported to Idman.Biz by the head coach of the team, Vladimir Shulikin.
He recalled that the season in trampoline gymnastics will traditionally open in Baku - the World Cup will be held on February 21–22 at the National Gymnastics Arena. Athletes from ten countries have already registered for the tournament, and the Americans will participate with the largest squad in terms of numbers; they will bring 16 athletes to Baku.
"Not many teams have applied for the World Cup in Baku yet, but this is typical for the start of the season. Not everyone has reached their optimal form yet, so we will prepare for the home tournament as planned and complete the entire scope of work. We will perform in all types of programs – both individual and synchronized jumps. Fans will be able to see both Seljan Magsudova and Magsud Magsudov in action," said A.Shulikin.
The head coach said that the team’s first away competition will be the World Cup stage in Alkmaar, Netherlands, on March 12–13. This tournament will be preparatory in nature for the European Championship, which will be held in Portimao in April and is considered the main start of the first half of the year.
"We plan to go to Portugal with a large delegation – a total of 20 athletes, together with the team in tambouring. Not only the main team, but also young people will perform at the championship, and they will also compete for high places," the coach added.
He noted that during the season the team will return to Portugal again - the World Cup will be held in Coimbra on July 4–5. Before that, the World Cup stage will be held in Arosa, Switzerland, on June 26–27. The calendar also includes two more World Cup stages - in October, the "flying gymnasts" will perform in Italy and Germany. These competitions will prepare athletes for the main start of the year - the World Championship, which will be held in Nanjing on November 5–8. It should be noted that China will also host the World Youth Championship and world competitions in age groups.
V.Shulikin also revealed the specific features of the season.
"This year is a preparation year - we will work on technique, height, and the level of difficulty of the jumps is already there. We are considering the Olympic qualifying stage, which will start next season. Licenses will be won based on the results of the World Cup stages, as well as the World Championship. The sooner we get a ticket, the more calmly and systematically we can prepare for the Olympics. Our plans include winning two tickets to Los Angeles," the head coach concluded.
