Eric Lopez Interview with IG magazine
This is an interview with Eric Lopez from International Gymnast Magazine
IG- How was winning three consecutive Pan Am Games all-around titles over eight years inspired you and your team?
EL- After we lost the team title in 1995, winning in 1999 was our goal. (Cuba won in 1991 as well.) It was our goal to reclaim that title, and my goal to win again as an individual.
IG- You must have had high hopes for the '99 worlds, after winning the Pan Ams, but your team had some problems. Can you explain why you and your team didn't perform as well as perhaps you wanted?
EL- As an individual, I had a big mistake on high bar (6.95) in the team competition that cost me all hope of anything in the all-around. As a team, I don't want to justify our performance, but I don't think the judging was at all fair during the team competition.
IG- What will you need to trun this kind of performance around in 2000 and beyond?
EL- We need to train harder and better use the means we have training. We also need to compete more, since we don't usually have the opportunity to compete a lot at the international level.
IG- How are the facilities and finaces for the Cuban program?
EL- We don't have the best equipment, and we are still using apparatus from 1991, which is really deteriorated. The national team as well as the other (club) gymnasts train on this bad equipment. These are definitely not the best conditions, but we do what we can with what we have. That's how we have been getting the results you see.
IG- Based on your preformance at Pan Ams, and also your personal successes, do you sense you are getting or will be getting more support at home?
EL- We have been receiving a bit more economic support, but not necassarily because of the results at the Pan Am Games. We can't just take a big leap and all of the sudden become a powerhouse gymnastics natoin. We need have to do it step by step.
IG- In the past, Cuba has been known for its courageous, 'wild' style on floor, vault and high bar. Why do you feel Cuba excels on these events, and how is the team working to balance all six events?
EL- I think it's really important for a gymnast to have all six events at the same level. I think the problem is the tradition; a long time ago, Cubans were great vaulters, and great on florr and high bar. Slowly, we have improved rings and pommel horse, and we are getting better results.
IG- As a bona fide star for Cuba, and a solid all-arounder, do you feel you are an idol for younger gymnasts? If so, is yhis more a burden or a pleasure for you.
EL- YOunger gymnasts have expressed to me that they admire me and hope to reach me level. This is a great responsibilty and honor for me. As long as I continue my gymnastics career, I hope to give this example to future generations.
IG- What exactly is this example? What would younger gymnasts need to meet or exceed your level?
EL- The younger gymnasts aren't very far behind me. There are several gymnasts who have achieved good international results for Cuba. I think that even better results are achievable.
IG- Results that are better than yours?
EL- Yes
