A week ago she was winning the AA final of the “Citta di Lugano” Trophy, surpassing Izurieta, the Spanish gymnast who had won the fourth place during the Europeans in Milano. Last Saturday, Amelia Racea also won the title of International champion of Romania. She talked, for Prosport about her objectives for this year, the most important being the AA title at the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF), which will take place in Tampere, in the period 18-25 July.

Amelia, how was the competition today?

It wasn’t very difficult. Moreover, a competition is easier than a training session, where you repeat the same routine for tens of times. I was a bit nervous, but I got over that, more nervous I think I was on uneven bars and balance beam.

Was the competition from Ploiesti similar to the one in Lugano?

It was a bit more difficult in Switzerland because there were more girls and the competition was bigger, but for me it was ok because I was in good shape during both competitions and I managed to do everything the way I wanted to.

You are very confident when you are competing…

Yes, because I have already participated in many competitions, I have gained a little bit of experience and I always try to do my routines the way I have planned to.

What are your goals for this year?

To go to EYOF, to win the AA there and to take a gold medal on each event, if possible.

Do you feel the pressure given by everybody expecting you to have good results?

It is quite difficult, because I think that everybody has expectations. This is normal and I can go on without being too much influenced by that.

What do you still need to improve?

I need to have a more difficult vault, and then on uneven bars I need to introduce one more element. I need to increase my difficulty on floor also.

What do you want tomorrow, during the event finals?

To win each event and to compete well.

Since the beginning of the year you have participated in many competitions. Are you tired? 

A little bit. What matters is that, from participating in competitions, I gain experience and I become more confident. 

Source: Prosport