Short Course European Champion Nika Godun in conditions where the team found itself without international competition, decided that it had to change.
– Due to the fact that there are no international competitions, it became possible to try something new without any responsibility – it will not work and it is not scary, – says Nika. – I went to train with another coach abroad, I tried something new.
It was psychologically important to me. It is difficult to swim only at the Russian championships, because international competitions in themselves bring completely different emotions. What’s happening here (at the Spartakiad of the strongest) isn’t bad. It’s what you need to survive in today’s realities, but it doesn’t come close to world championships.
Therefore, for me, the experience of training with athletes from other countries was somewhat of a substitute.
– You trained with a Swiss specialist (Luca Gabrilo), with whom Anna Egorova works.
– Yes.
– How did you manage to organize it? It’s very difficult to do that now, as I understand it.
– Not easy. And, unfortunately, now the situation in the world is such that not all coaches are ready to work with Russian athletes, even if it concerns only training. It turned out that it worked out, because Anya (Egorova) was already there, she introduced me.
– You were almost the only one to have said that at the Russian Championship: there are not enough emotions. Why do you think?
Because we don’t accept it. It is accepted that we are emotionless iron athletes. Unfortunately, when athletes are tired, they don’t understand it. Immediately, “What, that’s not enough for you?” – such questions begin … But the fact is not that it is not enough. Just “why not!”.
– What do you expect from the hundred-meter breaststroke?
– Swim for 1 minute 6 seconds. I wanted to do it this year, but it didn’t work out. That was the goal, but there is no disappointment. Always ahead, I’m not ending my career. What is now was experimental and remained at the right level. I think it’s already a success.
– What will you have left of these training sessions in the other team?
– When you leave for another coach, you understand: it’s good that you work with another specialist – but you also realize that your coach still can’t be better. Because he knows you, he understands. The best coach I have.
– That is to say that such experiences are beneficial for both the athlete and the coach?
– I think so. There is nothing shameful in this, you also have to learn from the experience of others.
– Can you swim in short water?
I will not rest now. For me, it is important, unlike many others. The lack of water brings me more pleasure, so yes, it is in my plans.
Source : MatchTV
