Michigan State University Athletics
Q & A With Gymnast Victoria Iakounina
1/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Gymnastics
Where were you born and how old were you before moving to the U.S.? I was born in the former Soviet Union (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), but then moved to Virginia when I was 9-years-old.Jan. 20, 2004
Hometown: Woodbridge, Va. High School: Forest Park Club: Cardinal Gymnastics Center
Do you speak any other languages? I am fluent in Russian, because it was my first language.
Describe yourself in three words: Ambitious, hardworking and driven.
What do you like to do for fun outside of gymnastics? I like to spend time hanging out with friends and relaxing.
What are your New Year's resolutions for 2004? I want to make healthy choices for myself. That includes eating well, getting proper rest and taking advantage of the resources that I have.
What is your goal in gymnastics for the 2004 season? I want to peak at the Big Ten level, perform at my absolute best and come out of competition saying that it was the best I could do. As a team, we want to improve in the Big Ten and come out on top if that is what we deserve.
In your biography it stated that you most admire your parents, why? My parents were on the Soviet Union National Teams and were amazing athletes. My dad does administrative work for gymnastics and my mom is a coach. They show this incredible work ethic that has been a huge model in my life. It's a huge inspiration for me to listen to and see all the things they have had to go through in life to get where they are today.
How did you get started in gymnastics? People often think that my parents got me started in this sport, but that was not the case at all. My parents actually did not want me to be a gymnast, because they knew it was a tough sport and took a lot of work and time. But on nights when my mom couldn't find a babysitter, I had to go to the gym with my mother. I really enjoyed playing around with gymnastics and I decided I wanted to do it, without being pressured by my parents.
What is your favorite and least favorite events in gymnastics and why? My favorite event is the vault, because pre-college it was my most successful event. I really like competing it because it is so explosive. As of this season, I have not done as well or been able to put it out there in competition, but I hope to get better as the season goes along. My least favorite event is the balance beam because it can be so nerve-racking. It takes so much to get focused, because it requires so much precision.
Why did you choose MSU? During my recruiting trip, I really liked the people and the atmosphere here. It was a very welcoming environment and the friendly people of the Midwest really influenced me to come here.
How does it feel to be a Spartan? It feels great to be a part of a school program with such a huge history and tradition of great athletics.
Who would you say are the most influential to you on the team? Our team has worked so hard on team unity that we don't want to single out relationships, and instead want to function as a team. The whole team is a unit, so I see us as being one instead of individuals. Our team does everything together, which is influential for me.
What are your plans after getting your bachelor's degree? As of now I am a no-preference major, but I think I am going to choose chemical engineering at the end of this year. After obtaining a degree, my four years of eligibility will be finished for gymnastics and I will be 24-years-old. The older you get, the harder gymnastics is on your body, so I think it will be time to wrap up that part of my life. But I would like to go to graduate school at MSU and then we will have to see.
