Victor Gusev: the only cure is sport

On July 7-9 near Nizhny Novgorod, a large-scale music festival ALFA FUTURE PEOPLE took place, within the framework of which our editorial staff managed to talk to one of the invited guests, TV presenter Viktor Gusev.

– Why did you decide to take part in the ALFA FUTURE PEOPLE festival?
– Let’s start with the fact that I cooperate with Alfa Bank, as I am always interested in everything related to soccer, especially the World Cup, and Alfa Bank is a sponsor of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. For me, participation in ALFA FUTURE PEOPLE is more of a continuation of our interesting cooperation, because I love music festivals themselves. It is an absolutely unique atmosphere, although I am not a fan of electronic music myself, I prefer classic rock.

Victor Gusev

– What sports grounds of the festival have you already had a chance to visit?
– I am primarily interested in soccer, so the first thing I did was to pass by the soccer field. The organizers, of course, tried to beat the weather, but it is still not in perfect condition. As for the rest: I know that there are a huge number of different sports represented at this year’s festival. I think it’s great to have variety.

– This year the weather got in the way, what other barriers can there be to playing sports?
– Unhealthy lifestyle, although sport is the only cure for that. I don’t see anything else. You can play sports at any age and in any condition.

I grew up in a time when there were no luxury lawns to rent. We would find a court, trample snow for an hour and a half, then play for an hour and a half.

– Are games in extreme conditions more interesting to commentate on?
– Among other things, today there will be a table soccer tournament, which I will be commentating, but it’s not surprising. I’ve commentated anything, even pig races, such things are interesting too. What about mud games like this – we’ve been through it all. I grew up in a time when there were no luxury lawns to rent. We’d find a site, trample snow for an hour and a half, then play for an hour and a half. We played on asphalt, on some rubber mats that move apart. So we got used to it.

– The festival participants are mostly young people. Do you think the modern generation is more picky about the conditions than people of your age?
– I don’t know, it’s hard for me to judge, but someone came out to play. In any case, soccer has not become less popular, just maybe the guys are used to more comfort. For example, when I started playing, we had balls with lacing, and when you were served and hit your head, you closed your eyes, jumped and thought: “If only the lacing did not come to you in the middle of your forehead, it immediately leaves a scar!” But now we have luxury balls, boots, uniforms, so the attitude has changed a little bit, I guess. For us it’s normal weather, normal field.

If there is an incentive and it leads to sports – why not?

– Now there is a trend for a healthy lifestyle. How do you feel about it?
– If there is an incentive and it leads to sports – why not? Another thing is that I have always liked games more than any individual training. It develops team spirit, and then, if you do it regularly, you will certainly tone up your body. In general, you should run or at least walk every day, depending on your age. I walk six kilometers every day on the track. Now there is a fashion for such a good thing – the exercise planka, you should do it too. With its help you can achieve results very quickly and with less risk to the body even than if you go to the gym. Some elements of twists and exercises can be dangerous, but in the plank there is none of that. Everything is designed for a simple person.

Viktor Gusev

– How organically, in your opinion, did sport fit into the atmosphere of the music festival?
– I have always thought that these things are very close. It seemed to me that you could even make a radio program where music flows into sports, say, rock music, soccer, music… But I was told that no, that they should be different programs and different audiences. I found that strange, because all my friends are people who combine the two interests. It makes perfect sense to me that within a music festival there is sports, and after sports you can go and listen to your favorite band somewhere.

– Please give some advice for the future to all participants of ALFA FUTURE PEOPLE festival.
– It seems to me that they have it all. People who come in such weather to have fun and listen to music have optimism, have the right attitude to life. I wish to be kinder to each other. Kindness is the most important quality. In general, it has nothing to do with soccer and music, although it has to do with both.