Kaleyn: I'm in very good shape, I always aim for the medals
“I think I am in very good shape. This was our last practice and it was very useful because we can test the terrain, the lighting and generally get an idea of what the emotion will be like over the next few days. Like I said, I’m in good shape and I’m looking forward to playing my routines without any mistakes.” This is what Boryana Kaleyn said in an interview with BGNES after the end of the podium training of our gymnasts in Arena Sofia. Our gymnasts, who are supported by the Sport in Bulgaria Foundation, performed very well and gave a serious bid for the prize places at the upcoming World Cup (12-14 April).
Boryana is adamant that her participation in the Sofia Cup International Tournament is to her advantage: “I certainly feel much more confident because when you have had one international competition, each successive one is easier. From the emotion, from the security of my new compositions. We try to play the routines as clean as possible. The stage is very early. The important thing is to be in top form at the beginning of August – for the Olympic Games. That is our goal. Every tournament should be a step up on our way to Paris.”
“In terms of my personal self-esteem, ranking is always important. It is also a statement that Bulgaria is a strong country that has a claim to win medals every time on the international stage. But I say again, my preparation is tailored to be in my best shape at the Olympics and at every competition it is important for me to show an upgrade on the previous one,” Kaleyn continued.
On her expectations from the Paris Games themselves, she declared, “God forbid, gold medals! That’s what we’re all hoping for and working towards.”
However, when asked if the pressure of the medal expectations that our graces are burdened with will have an impact, Boryana replied, “When one aims upwards and wants to achieve success, regardless of the field, there is always pressure. This is normal and accompanies success. It’s a matter of fighting it, I personally think we can handle the pressure and succeed despite it.”
“We have quite a lot of competition at the moment in the individual, although Russia and part of Belarus are not actively involved. Germany, Israel and Italy are very strong contenders for the medals. We can’t afford to relax and rest,” is Kalein’s opinion about the upcoming World Cup and the competition in Paris in August.
“The competition within the team is also very big. We are all very talented, we have huge possibilities. It all comes down to who will play their routines the best. The fact that we are a few girls who have chances for medals, both brings tension and gives us some peace of mind, because we know that Bulgaria will always be at the top”, philosophically reflects Boryana.
Our grace also returned to her winning the outright European title in Baku 2023. Something the Bulgarian had not done in the all-around for 29 years. “This gold medal was very important for me because I showed that nothing is impossible. When a person has a goal, despite all the pressure, if he just believes in himself and keeps working, he can succeed.”
Kalein doesn’t know what she will do after the Olympics. “I haven’t focused on my future after Paris because I don’t want to think about anything else but the Olympics. For me, that’s the most important thing right now.”
She was also very grateful to the Sport in Bulgaria Foundation for the support our entire national rhythmic gymnastics team receives. I am very grateful that there are people like those from the Sport in Bulgaria Foundation, who help not only our sport, but also other sports, so that they can have the necessary material conditions and can work in peace to achieve their results.”
Outside of gymnastics, she enjoys watching tennis and swimming.
“I’m a fan of all sports in general. I know what it takes for any professional athlete to get to the highest level. I admire and enjoy them every time, whether they succeed or not. Weightlifting, boxing and wrestling can also bring medals for Bulgaria at the Olympics. I don’t want to neglect our other athletes, but these are sports with huge traditions, like rhythmic gymnastics,” concluded Boryana Kaleyn.
Source: BGNES.