Triumph and tears are as much a part of the sport of gymnastics as saltos and handstands, and Elena Zamolodchikova is no stranger to either one. Following an outstanding season in 2000, during which she won two Olympic gold medals, the Russian found herself injured, and out of the 2001 World Championships. However, she would return to form in the years to come, winning a second world vault title in 2002, and claiming a berth on her second Russian Olympic team in 2004. Perhaps it is this steely determination, as much as a repertoire of skills that has once included a 2 1/2 twisting Yurchenko vault and tucked full-in dismount from the balance beam, that has earned her the nickname Super Zamo. In this interview, we attempt to gain an insight into what makes this daring, and sometimes moon-walking dynamo tick...

What are your favourite clothes and why?
Sporty, since it's convenient...

Which subjects did you hate most at school?
Chemistry...

What would you do if you could be invisible for a day?
Hard to say, I even can't imagine that...

Who is the person you would most like to meet?
With A. Karelin, but I met him already!

What are you afraid of?
Loneliness.

Who is your favourite pop singer?
Madonna, Eminem, Decl, and generally I like rap.



What would you do if somebody gave you 100.000 US $?
Hard to say.

What makes you pensive?
It depends.

What do you dislike about yourself?
Many different things.

What is you favourite comic figure?
None.

Do you have any hobbies?
Roller scates, moped.

How do you relax?
Always differently.

Which day of the week is your least favourite?
Monday !

Do you have any dreams you want accomplish?
Yes.

Do you like snow?
Yes, when it's not cold outside!

The most beautiful arena you ever competed in?
Many of them, but the best one is in Moscow!

Which arena or hotel has the most disgusting shower?
Can't remember.

Judges are...
A hard occupation.

What would you like for your next birthday ?
I will enjoy any present that comes from soul.

Which sights in your hometown are worth visiting?
Moscow is a very beautiful city. I would recommend visiting the Red Square and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior; and our underground is the most beautiful one (at least I think so).

Where would you like to spend a long holiday?
In South Africa.

Which languages do you speak?
I speak English a little.

If you couldn't do gymnastics, what would you do?
I never thought about it.

What do you like to do when you're at home?
Watch MTV .

Are you interested in other sports?
Yes, and I always support Russian sportsmen .


Do you think it's colder outside than at night?
Don't know.

What's your favourite saying?
Never lose your heart and always strive for your dream!

Who are your best friends in gymnastics?
Oksana Chusovitina.

How much money have you got on you right now?
None.

Have you ever been close to death?
No.

Do you like flying?
Not really much.

How long did your shortest love affair last?
---

What is your favourite competition?
I like to participate in competitions, no matter which.

Do you collect anything?
Plush bears.

What was your most embarrassing experience in gymnastics?
Gent 2001.

What song are you thinking of right now?
None at this moment...

What makes you happy?
Good performance in competitions, good training sessions.

What annoys you?
Bad performance.

What bores you?
Betrayal.

Your favourite film/movie?
Gladiator

What book should everybody have read in their life?
Depends on the person.

What would you like to do after your competitive career?
Will be a coach.

Money is...
Nothing.

What would you like to read about yourself in the papers?
Only something good.

Interviews are...
...

Getting up early is......
I'm an early bird!

Your favourite perfume?
Hugo, Lacoste.

What have you always wanted to tell your fans?
Thank them very much!

What have you always wanted to ask your fans?
Many things...

What did we forget to ask?
I think nothing!!!