From May 10 to June 27, the well-known Kazakhstani high jumper competed in seven events across Europe – in Germany (4), Greece, Poland, and Cyprus. In an interview with qazathletics.kz, she shared her thoughts on the European tour and the challenges of a nomadic athletic lifestyle.
Kristina Ovchinnikova’s results over this stretch were:
May 10 – 1.80m; May 18 – 1.86m; May 23 – 1.85m; June 1 – 1.90m; June 8 – 1.80m; June 22 – 1.85m; June 27 – 1.83m.
She won two of these competitions and took second place in two others.
– Kristina, how would you assess your European tour overall?
– This isn’t my first tour like this. Thankfully, my results over the past few years have allowed me to receive invitations to compete in Europe. I believe the more competitions in a season, the better. It’s a chance to compete at full throttle and prove myself.
– On June 1 in Greece, you cleared 1.90m, but weren’t able to match that in later competitions. Why do you think that was?
– On June 22 in Poland, I almost cleared 1.88m. I still don’t know what exactly touched the bar. Something’s just slightly off, but that’s normal. I’m continuing to work hard to hit peak form for the Kazakhstan Championships and the World University Games in July. In June I was jumping “under load” – not only did I not reduce my training volume, I actually increased it. So, I was quite pleased with a stable 1.85m.
– Describe your ideal competition day — from morning until the jump itself. What has to click for everything to come together?
– I don’t plan out an “ideal competition day,” because the more you try to control everything, the more energy you waste. And any little imperfection can ruin your mood. That’s why my mindset and my jumps don’t depend on which foot I got out of bed with or the color of my socks. I try to get 7–8 hours of sleep before a meet. If the competition is in the evening, I often nap for an hour during the day. I also try to eat 4–5 hours beforehand and arrive at the venue two hours before the start, so I feel calm and don’t have to rush my warm-up.
– The competition schedule in Europe is tight, with constant flights and travel. How do you recover?
– Yes, unlike in Kazakhstan where a season might have only a few starts, the European pace is intense. At first, it was a real challenge. Even now it can be tough. That’s why I always bring my muscle stimulator and massage gun. In a hotel room or at the airport — they’re lifesavers.
– You often compete alongside some of the world’s top high jumpers. Is it more pressure or more of a thrill and challenge?
– Most of the girls are very friendly and genuinely happy for your good results, or they cheer you up if things don’t go well. I know many world-class high jumpers personally. We get along well, and I feel comfortable competing with them.
– You inspire young athletes. Who inspires you — in sport, in life, in your mindset?
– I’m glad if people look to me as a role model in sports. As for me, I’m truly in love with this sport and deeply passionate about what I do. Along this journey, I’ve been supported by my new club coach, the team helping with my physical conditioning, and of course, my family.
– Where do you feel more confident — competing at home or abroad?
– If I’m well-prepared, I feel equally confident anywhere. It’s just that in strong company, there’s a bit more excitement and adrenaline.
– What goes through your mind as you stand before the bar?
– I try not to think about anything. I’ve been jumping for over 10 years and I know for sure — during competitions, thoughts just get in the way.
– If you could jump to music, what song would you pick?
– In Europe, we often get the chance to jump with music — you just have to tell the organizers in advance. This past winter I jumped to APT by Bruno Mars & ROSÉ, and Kõk Tu by the group Irina Kairatovna. In the summer I performed to Ordinary by Alex Warren. I pick songs based on my mood.
– Finally, what’s the height you dream of clearing? Your goal?
– Of course, I have both a dream and a few goals. I don’t want to talk about the dream. But my goal for the summer season is to jump higher than my current best – 1.90.
