Melitina Staniouta’s Alphabet: A Journey Through Life and Gymnastics
Melitina Staniouta: A Glimpse into Her Life
Melitina Staniouta, a renowned Belarusian gymnast and multiple medalist in world and European championships, shares her unique alphabet, offering insights into her life and career. As the great-granddaughter of actress Stefania Staniouta, Melitina has carved her own path in the world of rhythmic gymnastics.
B – Brother
I have a dream that will never come true: having an older brother. I envy my friends who have older brothers. I imagine he would not be a sportsman but rather follow in our parents’ footsteps into journalism, and he would be incredibly intelligent.
G – Gymnastics
In our country, there aren’t many sports that yield numerous medals; rowing and gymnastics are among them. Biathlon, for instance, is not as consistent. Belarusian gymnasts always bring home medals from competitions. For me, gymnastics is my life, my inspiration, and my goal. Gymnasts start young and retire young. I began my journey in sports 18 years ago, at the age of 3. It was not I who chose gymnastics, but gymnastics chose me. I was walking with my mom when my first coach approached us and said, “Let’s give it a try.” That’s how I entered the world of gymnastics. At 24, a gymnast’s career typically ends, and I plan to dedicate myself to promoting gymnastics in our country.
D – Friendship
Female friendship does exist, and I truly believe in it. Many think that a female gymnastics team is a nest of vipers, but that’s not the case with us. We are all very close. Liubou Charkashyna, who helped me a lot at the beginning of my journey, and I share a sincere friendship. There are no cut ribbons or other mischiefs in our team, unlike in the Soviet era.
Zh – Life
Life with all its ups and downs, bright and dark colors. I have two lives: ordinary and athletic. I even choose my cosmetics accordingly: this mascara is for gymnastics, and these eyeshadows are for life. I barely have any routine life, so sometimes I enjoy doing household chores. I am an adventurer and love to take everything from life. Even during competitions, I try to snatch 2-3 hours to explore an unfamiliar city.
Z – Breakfast
Every day at 8:30, I start with a choreography class, so my breakfast is always early. I allow myself to eat a bit more in the morning because I know I have a long and challenging day ahead, and everything will be burned off. I have a sweet tooth and often treat myself to something delicious in the mornings.
K – Coffee
My favorite drink. The most delicious coffee is in Colombia! I can drink coffee both in the morning and in the evening.
L – Love
It may sound cliché, but without love, it’s hard to put on a smile. My first love is artistic gymnastics. I truly love what I do, even though it gets more challenging as I get older. My love for this sport helped me overcome severe injuries I had in 2010. I no longer do gymnastics for medals; I need the connection with the audience, that spark that ignites me.
O – Rest
Artistic gymnastics is one of the few sports where the season lasts almost the entire year. Therefore, I have very little rest, only 2-3 weeks a year, and I definitely spend it by the sea. I love swimming. On the Maldives, I swam half the island. I adore new countries and always choose places I haven’t been to before. My favorite place so far is Madeira. If I were a creative person (an artist, a writer), I would return from there famous – it’s incredibly beautiful there! It immediately inspires creativity.
P – Dad
My first word. I am a daddy’s girl. He helps me a lot, and I have the best dad in the world, who supports me even in the smallest things. I also inherited his trait – composure. In sports, this is a huge advantage.
R – Balance
It’s quite difficult for women to control their emotions, and I highly value people’s ability not to succumb to their emotions. It’s important for me to maintain balance because emotions interfere in sports. Only a cold heart and a clear mind.
S – Self-Improvement
Improving myself and the world around me. In sports, it’s about self-improvement. I always have a upper limit. If I reach it, I immediately set a new one. Therefore, the process of self-improvement for me is a process of life.
U – Smile
As a child, I wore braces, and now I laugh that I gave birth to my smile. Now I have a beautiful smile, and I adore people who make me smile. Three things can conquer me: intellect, humor, and a sense of timing.
Y – The Sound of Pain
Y is the sound of pain. It’s a part of life, especially in sports.
I – Myself
It’s hard to talk about myself. Looking back at myself yesterday, a year ago, I see that I am growing. If I went through a gymnastics season realizing that I could no longer show anything new, I would end my career. In three words: I am a perfectionist, an adventurer, an athlete.
Interview by Maria Stolyarova
