Senior coach Russian national team skeleton Denis Alimov spoke about the selection of the national team for the December training camp in China, which will be held from December 1 to 25.
Previously, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) decided to suspend Russian athletes from international competitions.
— You take many experienced athletes to the training camp in China: Rukosuev, Tretyakov, Semenov and Daniil Romanov, who in that order participated in the Russian Cup.
— As a coach, my focus is on the 2026 Olympic Games, although no one knows when we will be able to participate in international competitions. If this happens during the pre-Olympic season, a quota will have to be filled. Athletes who have participated in major tournaments can cope with this task. Today, objectively, they remain the leaders of the team.
Rukosuev showed excellent results at the Olympic Games in Beijing, taking 6th place. He is psychologically stable and should improve initially. Tretyakov is currently maintaining his form, but if necessary, he will undoubtedly increase his physical preparation. This athlete, who brought many medals to the country, needs, like an apple tree, a little rest to give results again. Semenov has problems, however. He is hampered by an injury and is off to a slow start. As for junior skeleton skaters, they will still have to show consistency throughout the season.
— The women’s part of the team at the training camp will consist of Tyurina, Tararychenkova, Frolova and Trufanova. Why did you choose them?
— On the one hand, the future of the Olympic Games interests athletes with rapid acceleration. On the other hand, when compiling the lists for the training camp, we started not only from the results of the Cup, but also from the control training. On it, the first was Tyurina, the second was Trufanova.
— Where will the training camp take place?
— At the Yantsing bobsleigh and luge center, where the Olympic starts took place and where the first stage of this season’s World Cup will take place on November 17.
— How, in your opinion, could Russian skeleton athletes behave at major international competitions from now on?
— The men, I’m sure, would be fighting for medals or at least for places in the top six. It’s harder to judge girls. There is not enough stability yet,” Alimov was quoted as saying by the press service of the Russian Olympic Committee.
In March 2023, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued recommendations on a possible return of Russians to major competitions. They assume a neutral status, individual access and the absence of contracts with law enforcement and the armed forces. Additionally, all eligible athletes must compete without the flag or national anthem.
Source : MatchTV
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