– Julia, the last time I saw you was in St. Petersburg at the Russian Short Course Championship. You missed the April championship. Have you thought about coming?
– At the beginning, of course, there was a desire, I connected to the selection, to the World Cup, then I remained in limbo. It seemed like everything would end now, everything would change, but it only got worse. It becomes difficult to decide what to do next – continue or think about something else. I didn’t want to, to be honest, I didn’t want to communicate with anyone. I took a media break to calm down and understand what to do and how to be.
– Now there is an opportunity to fly to Russia?
– There is a desire, but it is hard and expensive. I missed my family and friends, my dad – we’re on the phone with him, he sends me workouts.
The only thing is that at first I was overwhelmed by the time the girls showed at the World Championships, then it inspired me. I haven’t seen such a moment for a long time. I remember how I won in Kazan with a score of 1:05.5, and I remember how upset I was, I didn’t even understand how it happened at all. We swim faster at the Russian Championships and the 200m final ends faster than at the World Championships in Budapest. Apparently, they can’t do without us at all, there are no irritants that make them swim faster.
So, did you follow the results?
– At first it was hard, I was angry. Many friends have been there. In general, when the summer season began, it became sad. All my favorite tournaments are Mare Nostrum, competitions in Italy…
It’s frustrating not even having a choice. Let’s see. I don’t know what to do, what not to do. I’ve changed my mind a hundred times already, I thought – well, that’s it, I’m done. And then: “Now I will stop, and it will all be over.” These are the mood swings.
Is there a possibility to train?
“I haven’t really come out of my training regimen. Now only in the summer I reduced the load. I just keep myself in good shape, 3.5-4 km five or six times a week … I tried to dance – the strength remains, an unusual feeling. You come and do not die, there are forces for other activities.
– The dancing was great.
– Opinions are dividedsmiling). But I didn’t expect that from me! I wanted to try for a long time, and it was only at the age of thirty that I managed to go dancing. There will also be salsa!
– We do not look forward to the competition in the summer?
– It’s hardly possible. I think there will be a time out before the end of the season. I’ll see what to do next. Everything will depend on whether or not they allow us to participate in international competitions. Although after the World Cup I had the strength and the emotions to compete. Let’s see how this will be possible. If they let me participate in international competitions, I’m ready. Participating only in the Russian championship does not really suit me.
– There are a lot of very young victories at the world championships. Discussions are underway on this subject today. Do you regret starting early in your career?
– There was no other option. At that time, especially in Russia, everything was like this or nothing. Until the age of 15, he did everything, pulled everything out of himself, tired.
Now it seems to be a bit better, but our children’s sport is still very strong – we win youth championships in Europe, the world, and then it all goes away. I had a long career, although I was told that everything would end quickly, and there is still gunpowder (Laughs). So no, I don’t regret it.
– Have you managed to restart psychologically in this whole situation?
– To be honest, no. I came here as usual for the collection, but it happened like that. What kept me from ending my career was that I wanted to end it in style. So it will be psychologically easier for me to say goodbye beautifully and leave. But now there is no such desire. There are mood swings.
Salary is dripping a bit, but it will be off soon, I haven’t played for a long time. It may be possible to work as a sports model. So you have to think of something. While waiting for a decision on our admission to international competitions, we will see.
Source : MatchTV
