Athlete

Astafeva Olga

Moscow, Russia

- cm / - kg

Info

Occupation

Army, Athlete

Spoken languages

English, Hebrew

Coach

Ayelet Zussman [personal], ISR, from 2009; Elena Kopylenko [personal], ISR, from 2009 (fig-gymnastics.com, 27 Jun 2018)

Start sporting career

She began the sport as a small girl. (Olympic Youtube Channel, 02 Jan 2017)

Reason for taking up the sport

"I was a very hyperactive child. I couldn't sit still. I had to move and do sports. My mum saw that and they decided to send me to an after school sports club, a little class that taught rhythmic gymnastics. I really loved that type of sport, competing and wearing the outfits." (Olympic Youtube Channel, 02 Jan 2017)

Ambitions

To win Israel's first Olympic rhythmic gymnastics medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. (Olympic Youtube Channel, 02 Jan 2017)

Most influential person in career

Her coaches. "Each one is just like a second mother to me." (Olympic Youtube Channel, 02 Jan 2017)

Awards

She was named the 2017 Israeli Sportswoman of the Year. (fig-gymnastics.com, 27 Jun 2018)

Additional information

General
ARMY LIFE
In 2017 she began her national service in the Israeli Army, alongside her gymnastics career. "At 8am I go to the army until 11am. I have to go every day except when I have competition, then I get a holiday from the army. I am like a secretary. I really love it and it is very important for Israelis to donate in some way to our country, even if it is through administration and even if it's only for a few hours." (fig-gymnastics.com, 27 Jun 2018)

Last update : 2018-08-27

Athlete