Lidiia Iakovleva

ABOUT

Name: Lidiia Iakovleva

Age (in 2020): 17

Sport: Rhythmic Gymnastics

Coach: Iulliia Iokovleva (My mum)


RESULTS

Best international result/s: 2018 Youth Olympics

Major goal for 2020: My long time goal and dream for 2020 is to qualify to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Most memorable sporting moment: Competing at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Argentina and receiving a bronze medal in the team event. Staying at the Youth Olympic Village with the other athletes from different countries was a once in a lifetime experience as well as watching other sporting events which was very interesting and has given me many amazing emotions while cheering for the Australians and a strong determination to be part of the 2020 Tokyo Australian team.

Biggest challenge you have faced: Calming down my nerves before going out on the competition floor has been a challenge that I faced in the past year. It is a talent that you have to adapt in order to compete at your full potential and often times takes many years to master.

What do you like most about your sport? Rhythmic Gymnastics is such an elegant sport to watch as it encompasses so many beautiful elements to it i.e. music, dance choreography, ballet, body strength, flexibility, body movement, expression, apparatus handling and lastly the stunning leotards so it was a natural fit for me as a girl growing up and choosing a sport with such variety.

Who/what inspires you to achieve your best in sport? Many people and things inspire me to achieve my goals, inspiration can be found in everything around you. Every day I find something new to inspire me to help me give 100% in everything I do that day and this allows me to work harder towards my set goals.

Favourite food/drink: I love to have ice cream as a treat, however being a professional gymnast I have to take really good care of my physique so I will only have a treat once a week. This allows me to stay strong and healthy as well as have a balanced diet.

Favourite song/music: I don’t have a favourite song, but I do have a favourite artist which is Billie Eilish.

Favourite destination: I have always wanted to visit LA and NY. Singapore, however, is my favourite destination which I have visited a number of times and would love to go back there again.