Star struck to be able to meet YULIYA LEVCHENKO, World Number 2 at high jump, ANUSHAY TAIMUR KHAN headed to the newly launched Boutique of Richard Mille at 21 High Street, Katara to see the brand ambassador and some classic Richard Mille pieces.
Congratulations on ranking as the current World number 2 in the high jump. What do your friends think of your athletic success? How do you handle missing out on activities with friends because of your athletic schedule?
I feel like I am not that young, but it still feels really good. I want to continue my work and keep getting better. I want to train hard and achieve even more goals. My friends and family only support me, they help me stay humble and I feel like I haven’t had any success. For our parents, I feel like we’re always the best, irrespective of how high I jump, they’re always telling me they’re proud of me. Support is a big part of sports!
I am a student right now but, not your typical student. It is another world for me but it is critical to experience new things in your life. Sometimes it’s hard to speak to someone outside the sports world because they do not necessarily relate to you. I kept getting asked why I do it when I could go dancing or having other activities. But I love doing this and it really is that simple.
You were named as Ukraine’s Best Female Athlete of the Year in 2017. Since Athletes have to eat healthy foods to be in top shape what types of food do you have to give up when you’re in training?
Sportsmen need to have a good diet and it is important to keep the balance. It is all about the different types of food that you have to eat – sometimes you even have to eat chocolates because we burn a lot of calories in our profession and we need to keep that balance too. Fitness isn’t a professional sport; fitness is a special diet and training. I believe it is a hobby but, for professional sportsmen, it’s your life. It isn’t as difficult for me because I just need to know what calorie intake is normal for me so I can keep my portions balanced. I know my normal weight and I try to stay within the same range.
How does it feel to be the youngest of Richard Mille’s partners?
It is an honour to be a part of the family. I know there’s a new athlete who has come on board who is younger than me and that is what I love about this brand. They support young sportsmen because it is easier to go for well known names but, giving your support to younger athletes can mean something entirely different to them and that is what Richard Mille is doing.
What would you like your legacy to be? How do you feel this is embodied within the Richard Mille brand?
People want to find a personal space and every person wants to feel like an individual who is adding value to their profession. I love how Richard Mille has brought everyone together from all different professions from all over the world; actors, sportsman and people in different areas of expertise as one family. We have the liberty to meet new people and discuss everything like one big family. We want to be better and that is what I want to stand for as well. To work better and to evolve.
We have seen you as a born competitor who constantly strives to get better, improving on your personal best with every event. How do you and Richard Mille as a brand correlate?
When someone accepts you as a family and they support you, it makes a huge difference to me. Sportsmen need brands and it is part of my job to have the support of the brands. When I see someone cheering for me, I feel mentally at peace and feel more supportive. In sports we have sportswear brands but we need to train with them and feel comfortable in our shoes, etc. With me, this association is with Richard Mille so, when I wear my watch, I feel so comfortable.
“I kept getting asked why I do it when I could go dancing or having other activities.”
You will be wearing an RM 07-01 Automatic Ladies in Carbon TPT® in London. Tell us more about this particular watch and why you will be adorning this at WAC.
It’s a very light model and its suitable for me. I wear it at my trainings and can wear it to my social commitments as well. My outfit can change but my watch stays consistent. It fits perfectly with my look and I feel like it is a little part of me.
How do you feel connected with Richard Mille?
I feel a connection with everyone – especially if it’s a sportsman. If I see someone backed by the same brand, I feel like I can relate to them more and I have someone with me who understands this world and is supporting me as family. Richard Mille has become my support system now and that for me is the best part about this partnership.
Tell us how you would describe someone who wears a Richard Mille watch.
Anyone who wants to be the best, irrespective of which profession they come from, is the one who chooses Richard Mille.
RICHARD MILLE DOHA
LOCATION:
21 HIGH STREET, KATARA
CONTACT TEL: 4444 6606
@richardmillemiddleeast / @levchenkou