Short tracker Yelistratov about his CR home in Ufa: “I can’t believe I’ll be playing it in my hometown”

Olympic short track champion Semyon Elistratov said he was very happy to have the opportunity to participate in the Russian Championship in his native region.

Ufa will host the Russian Championship for separate distances in March.

– Yes. Imagine, my big dream came true: a short track center was built in Ufa. It is a world ice rink where World Cups can take place. I can’t believe I’m going to run for my region in my hometown on a new rink. We will have two big starts: the third stage of the Russian Cup in November and at the end of March the Russian Championship in separate distances. I’m happy, it’s great. I had four big Olympic cycles in my career, they recognize me in Ufa.

I hope that in Ufa it will be more interesting in terms of fans than in St. Petersburg. It’s a bit sad here. I think in Ufa we will put together a stadium and try to make it not just a competition, but a whole show. Although there is an opportunity, it is necessary to involve children in sports. It motivates me. You can say that this is one of the reasons why I stayed in sports, – said Elistratov “”.

– You said that the Chinese offered you to play for their country. Have you received more proposals from other federations?

– No, this is not the case. I was only offered China. But there was a story with an annual contract and a specific amount. I would have to go there for a whole year, my wife would have kicked me out of the house. I have a growing son, he is four years old. I barely saw my family during the Olympic season. I think going to China in the post-Olympic season means ending my career. Asian loads are wear loads. Out of a hundred people, one will survive. I made the decision to stay home. There are Russian departures, I will attract children to the short track with my person.