- The transfer of the Olympic Games from 2020 to 2021 was expected, but everyone took it in their own way: if some are disappointed, others are happy. How did you respond to the decision of the International Olympic Committee?

- At the moment, this is the most optimal way out of the situation. It is not clear what will happen in the next two to three months. Keeping everyone in suspense is even worse. I myself was in this situation four years ago. Of course, this is difficult for older athletes, but it is better than risking your health or being in limbo.

- In your opinion, for athletes older than 30 years, the transfer of the Games for one year will be a serious blow?

“I don't think so.” I know so many foreign athletes who are over thirty. But they did not think for a second that they would have to stop and abandon their dreams.

- Now you can allow yourself to relax a little, or vice versa, is this an occasion to watch yourself more strictly?

- It all depends on how long the quarantine lasts. In Los Angeles, all sports facilities are closed. While you can visit the beaches, but it is not clear how long it will last. Now you can run, swim in the ocean or surf, but the water is cold. I heard that many beaches have already begun to close. In addition, there are home exercises: push-ups, twisting on the press. The next month, obviously, we will be engaged in these conditions.

It's a shame that I already gained a good shape. It will be a pity to lose her. Despite the transfer of the Olympic Games, I hope that this year there will be other starts. In particular, the European Championship is planned to be held in August, therefore, I hope that it will not be canceled and we will have the opportunity to speak and show at least some results. It is morally difficult for athletes to keep fit without competitive practice. Exercising just like that and wasting your energy anywhere is the worst thing you can think of.

- The fact that now there is no way to visit the pool is harmful or helps in this situation?

- Staying home and continuing to work is a little easier. This is a different area. Morally and physically, this is easier than if the Olympics were postponed for a year, and I could still practice in the pool. Now there is a lot of time. You can relax, do health, exercise, which previously did not reach the hands. And again, begin to prepare for the new Olympic season.

- How do you keep fit in the absence of access to the pool?

- While the beach is open, everything is not so scary. I start with an hour run, after which I return home and do exercises with my own weight: push-ups, squats with an elastic band, twisting on a press. Now it’s hard to find sports equipment. It is problematic to even order the same fitball, because the shops are closed. We have to do with improvised means. Soon, a treadmill, ordered in case of a ban on going out, should come.

  • Efimova on methods of maintaining shape in a coronavirus

- The network is very popular video in which you perform push-ups on the balcony. What motivated you to join the stay at home challenge?

- Sunbathing on the balcony. One girl sent us a push-up video. We laughed, did and sent it back to her. But she said that we must definitely post it on social networks. So they did.

- In the video, you have wrung out only ten times. Is this really the maximum?

- On the record, ten repetitions are visible, but in fact there were 50 more before that. We were looking for a good angle to make it beautiful.

- Many were interested in the technique with which you performed push-ups on the video ...

- I asked my coach. There are different types of push-ups. He said that and so and so right. Different muscle groups just work. At the same time, I will not say that this particular exercise brings me results. I don’t really have to focus on it.

- Many athletes complain that in the isolation mode they go crazy from confined spaces and communicating with the same people. How are you doing?

“I was lucky to be with my loved ones.” My father and best friend are with me. I don’t think that something terrible will happen to us if they forbid us to leave the room. In addition, we already have a plan for this case.

- What will you do?

- Let's sort things out, put things in order, wash everything. We will do sports exercises together, study dances, and do needlework. I think this is a unique chance to do what you have long wanted, but there was no time. I have a lot of such cases.

  • Efimova on the reaction of American friends to the threat of coronavirus

- Where were you at the time the coronavirus epidemic started in the USA?

- We conducted a three-week gathering in Hawaii. Just returned from there, as everything began to close, cancel flights. We were lucky that we got to Los Angeles, because it was not possible to stay on the islands.

- Many athletes do not consider coronavirus a serious threat. How do you feel about this?

- I have long understood that this is more serious than it seems. I am a big fan of Italy. Everything that happens there upsets me very much. About a week ago, we gathered with friends for a brunch to discuss what was happening. She also said that the epidemic would spread all over the world, it’s just a matter of time.

My American friends laughed at this and said that this could not be in the USA. “There is a small country, and we are so developed and cool,” they said. And that evening we read the news that all cafes and restaurants will be closed for visits.

- What happened then?

- In the following days, more and more establishments were quarantined, and now the only plus is that you can go outside. All places are closed. Only shipping and pickup are available.

- At the same time, many people still do not attach any importance to this and are sure that the infection will not reach them ...

“Some may hope that the virus passes by.” But it’s better to beware than to laugh at it. If you are not worried about yourself, think about your loved ones and friends. The situation is very scary. Especially considering how the virus spreads. I have acquaintances from Asia who became infected and had a very difficult illness. She is not as flu-like as they say.

- What can you advise people to avoid infection?

- If possible, do not go outside. Especially avoid public places, and children should not be allowed to visit playgrounds. Wash your hands more often, and better walk with gloves on. Although now they can hardly be found or masks. If there is such an opportunity, wash the clothes you left home daily.

“Is there a problem in Los Angeles to get masks and gloves?”

- I have neither one nor the other. But there is an antiseptic for hands, soap. A week ago, I trained, but now I try not to leave the house myself, unnecessarily. I go out only for food or for a run.