Nataliya Bulycheva, Russian-born gymnast and model grew up with roots embedded in athleticism and the arts, which makes perfect sense as her career walks a fine line between both worlds.  “I was very active as a kid and when I was 4-years-old, I attended everything I could imagine: gymnastics, dancing, painting, and sambo (wrestling) with my brother. Gymnastics was picked mainly for improving my posture–– I don’t think it helped but changed my life completely,” she says. I adored rhythmic gymnastics from my early childhood and after attending world championships that took place in Moscow, I fell in love with it completely. Seeing those beautiful athletes, their performances, their ribbons, their costumes! When I went to school, my mom asked me if I want to dedicate myself to the sport and the decision was made. I chose it as my main priority when I was in the first grade.”

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Get to know more about Bulycheva in an exclusive interview with VMAGAZINE, below: 

VMAGAZINE: Who inspired you in rhythmic gymnastics?

Nataliya Bulycheva: I was mainly inspired by the head coach of the Russian national team, Irina Viner. Her eternal love for rhythmic gymnastics, her strength, her urge to progress and to keep our discipline evolving is very inspiring. She used to invite circus performers, ballet dancers, actors, and dancing specialists for us to learn every aspect of being a good performer, not only athletes. 

V: What does a training session look like for you summed up in 5 words?

NB: Patience, hardworking, love for what you’re doing, health, attitude.

V: How has sport affected the non-athletic parts of your life?

NB: Sport teaches you to respect work of the others, teaches you to be communicative and how to work in a team. Rhythmic gymnastics is a very beautiful sport and it helped me to be a better performer and of course I became very flexible. Not to mention all the physical and mental strength I developed as an athlete. 

V: If you didn’t play sports professionally what would your occupation be?

NB: I cannot imagine myself outside of sports, I wouldn’t change anything.

V: What are training essentials you cannot do without? 

NB: Warming up! Always! Never ever relax in the middle of your process [to make sure not to] lose control and avoid traumas. Thinking about your goal and enjoying it.

V: What are your thoughts or things you tell yourself when you’re at your physical limit? How do you push through? 

NB: Realizing of me being super lucky and blessed to work with the most extraordinary team, trainers and specialists. I was dreaming about it and couldn’t give up. My dream of becoming the best I can be and working with the best fuels me up all the time.

V: What are you looking forward to most in 2022?

NB: I’m praying and looking forward to health and healing for everyone around the globe in every meaning and in every aspect of their lives.

Purchase your copy of the V Magazine & VMAN + EA7 2022 Calendar here!