Russian speed skating Kristina Silaeva said her social media post after being suspended from international competitions was a joke and that she was not going to take a career break just yet.
Silaeva won the 500 meter distance at the Shavyrin Memorial, which started in Kolomna. Russian skaters have been suspended from participating in international competitions due to the situation in Ukraine.
“The start was one of the first of the season for me and quite important – it’s like the official opening of the season, when the nervousness already appears,” Silaeva told .
– We are used to seeing another podium in the 500m. Olga Fatkulina misses the season, Angelina Golikova – this departure after an illness, Dasha Kachanova is injured.
– Of course, when there aren’t such strong opponents, it’s a bit easier mentally. But the level of competition is also dropping, I would like to race with stronger rivals.
– You had a post on social networks at the end of February: “Run for Kazakhstan or give birth”, but you are there…
– It was a joke. Then it became clear that we would no longer be allowed to compete. As far as I know, Russian athletes are not taken to Kazakhstan, I was told. She thought it was too early to give birth. I’m 22 years old. There are older girls who have taken a break, it’s time for them I guess.
– At some point you combined a short track and a long track. Now there are no such thoughts?
— It was in 2019. It was planned that it would be a preparation for the big skate season. It was interesting for me to transfer technical work from short track to big ice. Had to race short track starts, the best finish is 14th. Not so bad.
– Did you like?
– Yes. I really liked the relay, it’s something very exciting. But speed skating is closer to me, I have been doing it since childhood, although I have always been told that at the physical level there is more data for a short track. I decided not to pay attention and just go for my goal. Last year, I set a good bar for myself when I ran away.
– Did you train in the Klevcheni group before the season? Has Elena Nikitina joined your group?
– We trained together. I don’t know exactly what and how he is with his plans.
“But you don’t want to go to the skeleton?”
“It’s a very dangerous sport. The short track is actually just as dangerous, but it’s more familiar, but the skeleton… Flying headlong at such speed, that’s how it is! What do you have to be brave!
Source : MatchTV
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