Ilia Kovtun (UKR) - Interview - 2022 European Championships - Podium Training

[@jakestewart2323]

He seems like such a nice young man...very serious but friendly all the same. I wish him the absolute best and love watching him perform!

[@Marketoromagnolo]

I hope he wins all around, nice to see him smiling, as generally he is always very serious

[@Inyourlap]

Before the competition starts, I saw him from the stands laughing and goofing around when he was waiting for his 1st rotation and I was pleasantly surprised because I’ve always called him “poker face” since I saw him compete for the 1st time. He’s indeed always very serious. The Ukrainian team was massively applauded when they were introduced. I hope the support and their first results after the qualifications will give them some comfort. I really admire their mental strength, especially the younger ones. Living in exile for months…

[@alize30alize32]

Ілля, дякую що представляєте мою країну❤

[@SarahZi1998]

Looking forward to see him today in the AA, he’s definitely the favorite for the title. It’s nice to see him smile and joke around

[@alfatbool9128]

If Illia was as fluent in English as Pantelei is, and if Pantelei was as lucky in gymnastics as Illia is, then Ukrainian MAG team would be a real dream team! In all other respects, it surely is.

[@SarahZi1998]

I’m sure Illia will become more confident and fluent in English as he continues to compete internationally and meets and communicates with different people

[@alfatbool9128]

@@SarahZi1998 Of course, if he has enough motivation!

[@soledadferrer1325]

Why does fluency in English make him dreamy? I would say his mother tongue sounds beautiful.

[@alfatbool9128]

​@@soledadferrer1325 No matter how he sounds. What really matters is how he looks at performance.

[@Inyourlap]

I don’t think Illia is “lucky” in gymnastics. His results have nothing to do with luck. He trains a lot.

[@roryconnolly7643]

men can compete to music now!!?!?!?!!

[@__Tiziana__]

Not yet, and I don't think anybody is truly considering such a thing (correct me if I'm wrong!), so that was just a hypothetical scenario. : )

[@LouiseToohey]

@@__Tiziana__ It is actually allowed in the code of points and not enforced either way. Using music is allowed, not using it is also fine in the mens Code of points. Women's code of points they HAVE to have music.

[@alfatbool9128]

Bartolini's FX routine performed to music doesn't seem too unreal. In contrast to Kovtun's one.

[@SarahZi1998]

@@alfatbool9128 yeah I can’t see Illia do a floor routine to music. He’s more of a powerful gymnast with compelling difficulty than the most artistic

[@alfatbool9128]

@@SarahZi1998 His FX is almost purely acrobatic, nothing in common with choreography.

[@anthems_ukraine]

Это русским стоит показать, почему никакого ущемления русскоязычных в Украине и украинцев не было и нет)

[@char142]

what language is illia speaking?