Swimmer Minakov: “The support of those who believed in me helped me in a difficult period”

Medalist at the World Swimming Championships Andrei Minakov in an interview with , he talked about how he experienced a difficult period psychologically, how he perceived the criticism and what competitions he will compete in this season.

On April 27 and 28, the Swim Wars competition will take place in Banja Luka, Bosnia. For many leaders of the Russian team, this is the first international competition abroad since 2022. On Saturday, Minakov won the tournament in the 200 meter butterfly, with a time of 2 minutes 2.04 seconds. Earlier at the Russian Championships in Kazan, he regained the title of national champion in the 100m with the same style.

— Andrey, did you have any expectations from the start in Banja Luka?

— This is the first departure abroad with the guys from the national team in several years. From a sporting point of view, it’s more of a start, I haven’t set myself specific objectives during these competitions. I’m just happy to find this festive atmosphere during competitions.

— The last two years have been difficult for you in terms of results. What helped you cope?

— The people who were nearby believed and supported no matter what. It was their support that helped during a difficult time. I didn’t have a single moment where I said to myself: that’s it, I’m done and I don’t want to continue. Although, of course, it was offensive and unpleasant, there was a sporting anger, a desire to prove that I was still moving.

At the beginning of the year we congratulated each other, I said that I would like to remind everyone this year that I am a medalist at the World Championships, a European champion and a participant in the Olympic Games. It was the task, the atmosphere of the season.

— Have conversations about weight and nutrition during this difficult time bothered you?

– No, because it came from these people who were not indifferent to my sports career and wanted to see me in optimal shape.

— So you didn’t perceive this as body shaming?

– No, it was the pure truth. They are not offended by the truth.

— Has the situation become clearer regarding your plans for the season? Will there be a Cup final?

— Yes, I will perform in Yekaterinburg during these competitions, but the main focus is on the Friendship Games. After Bosnia, I’m going to start training, I’ve had enough starts to start the season.

— You said it was difficult to combine academic and sports tasks during these two years? Why has it become easier now? have you just adapted?

“I had fewer study tasks; I didn’t study at all in the fall; I managed to combine them in winter. Plus, for the moment, I’m taking a reduced load. I think it will be easier in the remaining period.

— There was no desire to train all year round in the United States and come here only at the beginning, without joining any brigade?

— That doesn’t interest me myself; I like different approaches to training. Plus, I want to come home and see my loved ones more often. Tatarstan supports me a lot, for which I thank you very much.

— What do you think of your participation in the Olympic Games in neutral status?

“It seems to me that everyone has their own story, and we cannot compare here. Tennis players always play for themselves, while we fight, for example, for the Russian swimming team. I spoke about my position a long time ago, but if someone decides to go and they are my friends, I will always support them.

— By the way, do you watch tennis?

— I started watching as I got older. I played tennis in my early years, I know the basics and some basic things. Now it has become interesting to watch; Before, this process didn’t interest me.

The Swim Wars competition in Banja Luka will end on April 28. Watch live broadcasts on Match Igra and on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.

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