Athletics in Russia is not dead thanks to the regions, says Privalova

Russian athletics, under sanctions for more than eight years, is not dead thanks to enthusiasts and infrastructure in the country’s regions, the first vice-president of the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF) told . Irina Privalova .

In March last year it was announced that ARAF was once again a member of World Athletics after seven years, but the Russians’ suspension from international competitions was extended due to the situation in Ukraine.

— After Anjelika Sidorova finished her career, the only world stars left are Maria Lasitskene and Sergei Shubenkov. When they are finished, will there be any new names in the current situation?

— I’m sure there will be new names. I have just arrived from Ulyanovsk, where the Russian championship was taking place. Girls aged 16 to 18 performed there. We have good pole athletes, good girls and the coaches on the outskirts are doing a good job. There is some walking, that is not lost in the word “completely”. In the world of walking, there is a problem of biased judgment, when some are allowed to run, while others are severely punished. We have good girls in all areas, very promising.

— So it’s not worth saying that Russian athletics is dead?

– In any case. (Not dead) at the expense of the regions. The last thing that will die in our country is regional athletics. After all, it’s free there, the infrastructure is there, it hasn’t disappeared. In addition, despite all the difficulties, children’s parks are being built. We recently delivered them to Petrozavodsk, Ryazan, and this summer they occupied the Kursk Arena. We have a lot of enthusiasts, and they also stay. “The work is progressing,” Privalova told .