“Camila is a bright girl: as an athlete, as a person and just outwardly” – Rodnina on the recognition of Valiyeva as the athlete of the year

Three-time Olympic figure skating champion and State Duma deputy Irina Rodnina in a conversation with , she explained why the Russians chose Kamil Valiev athlete of the year.

Valieva has been recognized as the athlete of the year in Russia according to a survey by the All-Russian Center for Public Opinion Research (VTsIOM). For the Beijing Olympic champion in figure skating, 7% of respondents voted. Second place was taken by three-time Olympic champion in cross-country skiing Alexander Bolshunov (5%), third was Washington Capitals hockey player Alexander Ovechkin (4%).

“An opinion is an opinion, not a just decision. He can be influenced by many. Camila is a brilliant girl: as an athlete, as a person, and just on the outside. In addition, figure skating is a televised and media sport. Therefore, she is an idol for many – especially girls and children who dream of sports. But also the idol of many adults, since she is one of the most talented athletes of the Tutberidze group. Finally, the Olympics certainly played a role here – we remember such events for a long time. Although it seems to me that this whole situation has confirmed that adults should participate in adult competitions, ”Rodnina told .

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