Long jump world champion Alexander Menkov in a conversation with journalists, he commented on his result at the All-Russian Spartakiad of the Strongest, and also said that he was not going to end his career.
On Friday, 31-year-old Menkov took third place in the All-Russian Strongest Spartakiad with a score of 7.78m. Artem Primak won (7.84), Danil Chechela (7.81) took second place.
– Achilles does not allow you to run or jump, so such results. Physically, it seems to be ready, but because of the injuries, we crack and then it’s hard to prepare. Honestly surprised by the first two attempts. The first is still understandable – I ran there in euphoria, I thought that now I would get there and everything would be fine. But I hardly ran the second one, spent it, then stepped in again. Honestly, I didn’t understand. Maybe he started to stretch his stride, maybe he ran differently somehow. Again, all because of the leg, it does not give in … The last four steps – I just break and stop.
Maybe two failed attempts had an effect. If I had knocked, it would have been 7.60, and I would have relaxed more. And so the third attempt was made with rubber, and then the body got tired anyway, it was hard to prepare. But, whatever is done, everything is for the best. I will rest now I think, by the winter season I will switch to sprinting, not jumping. You need to heal properly. I went to Novogorsk, got treatment, then went back to training and killed myself. The effectiveness of the treatment was practically nil.
I’m not going to prepare specifically for the winter season. Maybe I’ll play all at once. I will not jump in training. Jumping isn’t going anywhere. If the speed appears, then I can jump well. Are you thinking of ending your career? I think my results are good. It is clear that something can be added. I see no reason to stop now. If the 2024 Olympics are not canceled for us, I hope they will still give me neutral status. There is still a chance to fully recover and feel normal. Age plays no role here. The main thing is desire and health.
Of course, I want to start jumping over 8 meters again. I just want to go to Europe. I’m so used to being there. During these years, I missed the Russian championship. Of course, there will be a completely different motivation. I will not say that there are few people in Chelyabinsk, but there are always full stalls there. And here you sit and rack your brains – how to get there … But, again, nothing depends on you here. I hope for justice that everything will be decided in the near future, ”Menkov told reporters.
Source : MatchTV
