Russian national short track speed skating team coach Andrei Maksimov told that he remains undeterred by the lack of access to international competitions.
The International Skating Union (ISU) confirmed the statement on the suspension of the Russians in the context of the situation in Ukraine. Russian short track speed skaters opened the season in Kolomna with the first stage of the Russian Cup. The national team now has two teams: the group of Maksimov and Vladimir Grigoriev.
— The first stage of the Russian Cup took place in Kolomna. Kolomna always welcomes us with good ice cream, good food, and you always come there in a good mood. The people there are in a good mood and do everything to ensure that the competitions are held at a high level.
I am satisfied with the performance of the guys in these competitions. The only problem is that some athletes did not start because they were sick, but there is nothing wrong with that, they have improved their health and will perform even better in the next stages. Our strategy is for them to win from start to finish and race based on their personal results.
— The ISU confirmed the suspension. Doesn’t this affect your motivation?
“It was to be expected, there is a slight sediment, but we cannot be discouraged. Yes, we’re not allowed to, but life goes on and we have to be ready to come back and do it at the highest level.
— Did you manage to organize training camps this summer in a new location?
— We train in Ufa, where we have all the conditions. We practice on the ice as much as we want and the practice schedule is completely tailored to the team. The conditions are excellent. We also have the opportunity to cycle here. So we have everything here.
“Skaters have said more than once that we need an ice rink in the Highlands. Do you also have such a need? You were going to altitude training camps in Font-Romeu…
– If such an opportunity existed, why not. But for short track speed skating there is a base in Kislovodsk, although it is not in the highlands, but in the middle mountains. We haven’t been there yet, but Vladimir Grigoriev’s team was preparing for it,” Maksimov told .
Source : MatchTV
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