22 November 2007 - Interview with Sofia GONCHAROVA (RUS)

Interview with Sofia GONCHAROVA (RUS) Dubai – 22 November 2007  Defending World Cup Winner Sofia Goncharova (RUS) and fellow countrywoman Anna Kazantseva arrived in Dubai late last night. We met them this morning and it was Sofia who answered our questions.   Good morning! Sofia, how do you like Dubai so far? To visit this country was my big dream. When I learnt that the World Cup Final would be here, I was very happy and did my best to come here.   As the defending World Cup Winner, do you feel lots of pressure? Not really! There is always pressure in every competition. This time is not different.   What do you think of the World Cup? Is it an important event for you? The World Cup is very important for me. It gives a lot of emotions. It’s big! It’s also important for the development of archery. I’m very happy to be an archer. Every competition is great!   What do you expect from this event? I hope to be in the competition with a bow (NB: Sofia and Anna have had their bows lost by the airline company they flew with…) I’m in good conditions right now, so I hope to get good results. But it’s just a game, you know!   What would you do if you do not get your bows on time? We will do everything we can so that the competition can take place. It will take place!   What do you think of this year’s format for this final, compared to last year’s round robin? The round robin would be better because it’s a good way to prepare for the competition. But we have all equal chances all in the same form and the important thing is that we make the best results for archery.   Let’s talk about the future already! Will you take part in all four World Cup Series next year? Yes, of course! I’m so happy to be an archer and I want to continue!   How do you manage to pay for your trips to competitions? The national federation helps us. We do not have any sponsors for travel, but we have Hoyt and Easton that supply us with archery equipment.   What do you do for a living? Are you full time in archery? We both have a part-time job besides being full time an archer!   What will you do when you stop shooting? I think I will be in archery in all my life!   Thank you and good luck!   Ludivine Maitre Wicki FITA Communication