— I had a task: to qualify for the Russian Championship, for this I had to participate in competitions. This stage of the Russian Cup suited me, because based on its results I can qualify for the mass start and the top five.
This is my first start in a long time. It was even scary. The other day I counted: I had 84 professional “A” grades, this one in Kolomna is the 85th. Rumyantsev probably had more than a hundred “fives”, but if I run again, I will overtake him.
— What are your plans for the future?
— I’m going to go back to China and prepare for it. Then I plan to fly to the Russian championship.
– And the Spartakiad?
— The Russian Championship is a title. Spartakiad – I don’t understand what it is yet.
— Many will say: “The Spartakiad is a question of money. »
– But the title is more important. I had to explain to myself why I still skate, I think the Russian Championships are suitable for that. As for the Spartakiad, maybe yes, maybe no. She’s not a target for me. And being motivated only by monetary rewards to build a career is also wrong. If there was a transparent and permanent trading system, this would be a story. But just like that, they explained that such a departure would take place and that they would give away cash prizes, and you went there – that’s wrong. The speed skating system is a little different.
– You didn’t want to finish?
“I don’t want to and I never wanted to, although thoughts have arisen, I think everyone has them now, and they are very sad thoughts.” I want to continue running, it’s just difficult to do it within the framework of all-Russian competitions, even if Belarusians or, for example, Kazakhstan join them.
– Nowhere to find adrenaline?
“It’s not even about that, it’s about the preparation itself, it’s just that the season is falling apart because of the realization that nothing will happen this year. And at a At any given moment in your work, you allow yourself to relax. It’s clear that psychologically we become exhausted because of all this. “Why do I need this, what am I doing here?” Previously , such thoughts did not arise during training, but now you drive and think: “Maybe I should straighten up and get out of here? When you are alone it is usually difficult, but in a team it is easier. In Beijing it’s easier in this respect also because the guys are preparing for the World Cup stages and you feel useful.
— How is the atmosphere at the Russian Cup?
“We’re talking in the gym, I’m spinning my bike and I’m not even looking at what’s there. I train and run. All. I don’t watch starts and I never have. The atmosphere is probably worse than it used to be. But we cooked within our limits, the competition was stronger. I hope it comes back. It took us five years to create such competition. So it’s possible.
— Have you offered to change your citizenship and play for Kazakhstan?
– They proposed – and not only for Kazakhstan. But, in my opinion, to change your citizenship you need to have the opportunity to win the Olympic Games or get a medal. You need a good trainer, good conditions. I rather believe in myself more in terms of preparation that we can implement, but in our sport there is not even a decision on neutral status from the ISU yet. Since there are no introductions, there is no point in chatting. There will be information – we will think about it. Of course, admission is another motivator. I’m not 40 or even 30. I want to run.
— What do you think of Sasha Rumyantsev as a coach?
“He has come a long way, he has something to teach others.” Well, for me it’s such a rare collaboration, when your coach recently ran alongside you, when he’s your friend. Everything is easy and relaxed.
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.
