Elina Velicu interview.   Elena Velicu, member of the Romanian Junior team at the Europeans of Patras , who came second, talks to us about herself:   Elena, tell us about yourself. -My name is Elena Velicu, I'am 14, nearby 15 (on July 18). I am originally from Bucuresti, where my family lives. I have a sister called Raluca-Valentina and she is 17. What are your hobbies? -I like music (especially Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears), shopping, animals (horses, also dogs and cats), to dance and read, swim, tennis and snoooker. And is it true you were injured? -Yes, for all 2001 I couldn't compete because I had a knee injury. I was operated, and had to take a break for 6 months, after which I started doing light training. Now I am fine. Tell us a typical day in Deva. -We get up at 7:00 , eat, and weigh ourselves. I go to school from 8:00-10:00, and then go to training, which finishes at 12:30-13:00. Then we eat lunch, and sleep at 14:00-16:00. At 17:00 we start training again, this finishes at 20:00, when we eat and then go to phisiotherapy. We sleep usually at 22:00-23:00. I don't go to school on saturday and sunday, but I do training. On Sunday I go out to the town. Who are your best friends in Deva? -Floarea (Leonida), Melina (Druta), Mona (Rosu), Mada (Rapeanu), Larisa (Apostol), Sabina (Cojocar), Andreea Raducan, Ana (Gavojdea), Iuliana (Chindea). Do you have any exams this year? -Yes, at the end of June we have our middle school examination, which is very hard. Will you go on vacation for the summer? -I'll stay in Deva, but we won't do school. What type of food is your favourite? -I like pizza, pancakes, pasta, doughnuts, chips (Romanian ones), gordon blue and sweets. Do you have pets at home? -Yes, I have two cats, Miti and kity, and a dog called Moty. I like animals a lot. Who are your favourite gymnasts? -I like Andreea Raducan, Simona Amanar, and from Russia Elena Zamolodchikova. How were the Europeans? -We won the silver medal with the team. I didn't win individually because I just did Bars. After the competition we walked through the town and went to a formal party. At 3:00 am we took a bus for the airport in Bucuresti, where our parents were with flowers. What are you doing now in training? -I am learning new elements, especially on Bars and Beam. Both are my favourite apparatus. Thank you Elena, and good luck! (Interview by Susan Hamilton).