Ruslan Zakharov, Sochi 2014 short track speed skating champion and Beijing 2022 speed skating medalist, shared how his motivation transformed during a season without international competitions, and also admitted that he didn’t know how his sport could become popular in Russia.
— Ruslan, how was your summer? Did you have any hopes for the June ISU Council meeting?
— To be honest, I don’t even really pay attention to when they’ll be there next time, because we’re in a work rhythm that leaves no room to think about anything else. Anyway, the main departures take place in December and February, which roughly corresponds to the situation in the international season. The program is now planned for 2026 or 2030.
“But the season has become different again, both in structure and intensity. Emotionally, are you not bored?
– I’m bored. The current situation does not require me to give 100% as usual. Last year there were times when I was doing my race, I saw that I was losing, I felt like I was losing, but it didn’t bother me at all. Previously, the mood was such that I was ready to cling with all my might to the opportunity to win, I don’t know, I was ready to catch the opponent’s suit with my teeth, even if this was Group B of the World Cup. Now it no longer exists.
Let them throw tomatoes at me, whatever they want, but that’s how I feel.
We review the races, we watched mine at international competitions, where I ran with Ted-Jan Bloemen. And I realized at that moment that losing to Blumen brought even more emotions than participating in the Russian Cup – winning, losing, it doesn’t matter. There are no emotions.
– So you’re not one of those who will cheer yourself up and say “my motivation is the same, everything is the same for me”?
– Yes, it’s not about me. I spoke with colleagues and peers who now coach other teams. They ask me why I still do this. I answer that now I mainly enjoy the training process. I like to train. I like to see how my body reacts to stress. I continue to make progress in terms of exercise. It’s not always possible to show it on the ice to the three fans who come. I’ve already explained why: I can’t always motivate myself to do this. But the truth is that training, doing more than a hundred laps on ice, riding a bike is a pleasure. I understand that this sounds strange, but there is a saying that the most important thing for a samurai is not the goal, but the path. In the current situation, this is true. Well, this is my path, I will be a samurai this year.
“I’m already anticipating comments: ‘Why is he pedaling and doing tricks with government money, but without motivation?’ They will say that you can do it in a fitness club for your own money.
— I pass the team selection criteria, I don’t just go for it. And in accordance with the law and regulations, I can train in suitable conditions. My hobby has become my job, which I love and do with pleasure. I get money for that. It seems to me that I have definitely brought a little benefit to our country in the field of sports. And if money was my priority, I wouldn’t be here long ago.
—And do you regret not having chosen a more profitable path?
– I love sport. Someone will say: “He just doesn’t know how to do anything else.” » That may be true. But I really love what I do. The end of my career is near and I want to get the most out of the sport emotionally. It seems to me that I didn’t understand a little. In any case, there are no regrets. My sports career is quite successful and successful. If at some point I decide to finish it, no one will be able to say “he didn’t do much.”
– So, when is the end of your career?
“I see him, but he’s getting further and further away from me.” This has been happening for ten years (Laughs). I especially acutely feel that the end of my career is approaching when I get up in the morning and everything hurts. And then, the next morning, it doesn’t hurt at all. And I said to myself, oh, Ruslan, you are healthy, the ribbon of the end of the journey has moved forward.
— Is it difficult to race in empty stands? Okay, the lion’s share of your emotions came during your performances at international competitions, in Heerenveen, where more and more fans know you.
– I agree. But I also understand the trend. Nowadays, spectator sports are in fashion and fans go to see them. If I wasn’t a speed skater, I would barely watch speed skating while sitting on the couch. I would look at something else. Due to circumstances, I am now passionate about figure skating – my son does. Don’t put that in the title please (Laughs). However, if you put it in the title, more people will read this interview.
— What do you watch besides figure skating?
– Bike. I watched the World Cup. Remco Evenepoel is awesome. Well done, almost like Bart Swings.
— And then 99% of sports fans in Russia, minus you and me, will say that it is not a spectacular sport either.
– Without a doubt. But there are also those who love it. It is difficult for me to imagine how speed skating and short track speed skating can be popularized in our country. There was a wow effect from Viktor An, but this effect did not last long. Everyone still knows Viktor An, I’m proud to have trained with him. And besides, short track speed skating is more spectacular in terms of diffusion.
So you have to create some sort of excitement. Previously, we had results at the international level that were talked about more, but now that is no longer the case.
In general, if anyone has advice on how to develop short track skating and speed skating in Russia, I will be happy to listen to it.
— Are you mentally ready to be in the top ten this season?
— I can’t stop running it, I train in a long distance group. Last year my spine was restrictive. I don’t know how this season will go. It all depends on how you feel.
— How important is the issue of prize money to you?
– I don’t even know where, how much, what. I don’t care how much they pay there and in other federations. I know what it is. Those who pay more have more sponsors. We can’t even compare that now, because you know, you can’t divide by zero… I can’t be offended by that. Few people train more intensely than us – precisely in intensity, not in time, but this has no correlation with income. I don’t think about it much anymore.
– Is this wisdom?
– It’s despair.
Source : MatchTV
I am Sandra Jackson, a journalist and content creator with extensive experience in the news industry. I have been working in the news media for over five years. During this time, I have worked as an author and editor at various outlets producing high-quality content that attracts readers from different demographics.
