Sunday 25 October 2015
Name: Oleg Verniaiev
Age: 22
Nationality & Hometown: Donetsk, Ukraine
One of the world’s best men’s gymnasts, Verniaiev claimed parallel bars gold at the 2014 World Gymnastics Championships and went on to claim All-Around gold at the Glasgow World Cup in December 2014. This year, Verniaiev has continued his strong form winning both the European Championships and European Games Individual All-Around titles respectively.
Oleg will compete today as part of the Ukrainian men’s Team.
When did your passion for gymnastics begin and how did you get involved in the sport?
I was a very lively child and had so much energy that my parents channelled me to gymnastics to have a place to spend this energy.
What do you think of the Championships venue – The SSE Hydro?
The whole setting of the competition is special but we must get used to it. When it comes to the apparatus, it does not change but the most important thing for us is how well concentrated and trained we are.
You have been to Glasgow before to compete. What are your thoughts about the city?
I hope that Glasgow will stay for me a very happy place to come to. I like Glasgow very much.
What is your career highlight to date?
The best moment for me is the possibility to have a rest after you have won a competition. The best is when you come back home to see your family and those closest to your heart, including your dog.
Who are your sporting heroes?
Alexei Nemov, who is the Olympic Champion from Sydney, and Marian Dragulescu from Romania are heroes of mine. But of course, Ihor Korobchynskyi, who was also World Champion and who is president of the Ukrainian Gymnastics Federation and the most genius Ukrainian gymnast.
What are your personal goals for the World Championships?
Korobchynskyi’s wish for me is to emulate him as a World Champion here in Glasgow and I will do my best to reach a record here in Glasgow.
Photo – Oleg Verniaiev outside by Alistair Devine & Stuart Gray