“Nowadays it is difficult for athletes who have achieved a lot to motivate themselves” – Rodnina on Tuktamysheva’s decision to put her career on hold

Three-time Olympic champion Irina Rodnina told that he linked the figure skater’s decision Elizaveta Tuktamysheva put his career on hold due to lack of motivation.

On Sunday, the 26-year-old figure skater announced that she had decided to take a break from her professional career. Tuktamysheva said she would continue skating in the show and perform at the Russian Show Jumping Championship, which will take place in December in St. Petersburg.

— Will Tuktamysheva be able to return to the professional level if she is motivated?

– It all depends on her. Tuktamysheva repeatedly destroyed the stereotypes developed for some unknown reason. If a person has desire, abilities and aspirations, then age is not an obstacle. Nowadays, athletes who have accomplished a lot find it difficult to motivate themselves because there is no normal competition cycle. Of course, we create national competitions, find some form of payment and support for athletes, but not a single athlete entering the starting line thinks about money. Finance is not the dominant idea when you start.

Moreover, Tuktamysheva not only takes a break, but wants to try herself in show business. In this regard, figure skating is a rather fertile sport. Like any athlete, she has the right to make her own plans. I don’t know what’s so noisy here. Sooner or later everything ends for everyone,” Rodnina told .

Tuktamysheva is world champion, European champion, winner of the Grand Prix series final of the 2014/15 season.