President of the Russian Skating Union Nikolai Gulyaev summarized the results of the Russian Speed Skating Championship, which took place in Irkutsk. Among the main stories of the competition: three gold medals for Daria Kachanova after a difficult period in her career, the return of Olga Fatkulina after maternity leave and, of course, nine gold medals for the skating couple of speed Aldoshkin.
— In general, how do you evaluate the results of the Russian Championship?
— Of course, we see that the results are lower than the seconds that speed skaters from other countries show at the world level. Of course, we do not compare directly, but based on rinks and riders. But it turns out that even the result of Dasha Kachanova, who was very satisfied, is now seventh or eighth in the world. And I’m not even talking about the seconds posted by our stayers, nor the seconds posted in the men’s 1000m, we are very far from that.
But at the same time I would like to highlight a number of positive points. The Aldoshkins’ nine gold medals are a great story for our speed skating. Additionally, Ekaterina only came to classic skating last season after following short track speed skating. She said, “I want to,” and did it. She now has four gold medals at the Russian Championship. This is a good example. Globally, we know many such stories, and Katya once again proves that anything is possible. Well, the overall result is nine gold medals between them – such a great family achievement.
Returning to Kachanova, I would like to note that Dasha shows incredible motivation and desire to show results. She is so motivated to fight that I am sure her results will only increase. Additionally, she has returned from injury and continues to work at full capacity. She is a good example, just like our short track which is fighting like last time. According to experts, if a miracle happened with the admission, several of our short track guys would end up in the A final at the world level. It’s a great chance to get on the podium. There, with the naked eye, we can see how they are tasked with fighting.
— How is Chelyabinsk preparing for Spartakiad?
– A unique case! At the Spartakiades, short track speed skating and speed skating will compete in the same arena. Recently I was there for an inspection and saw how the security system was installed. Chelyabinsk has repeatedly proven that it knows how to organize competitions. We monitor the situation and take the pulse until there is no longer any reason to fear that anything is not being organized correctly. And I would like to see fans in the stands. I’m sure this will be influenced by the return of Olga Fatkulina, which is gaining momentum. So far, of course, everything is not going well for her – she recently became a mother, there was a long break, but the dynamics of her return are positive!
Well, Ekaterina Aldoshkina! At the home Spartakiad, she is preparing to compete in short track and speed skating. It will be interesting to see what this will look like. I wish her good luck and I believe she can reach the podium in both short track and speed skating.
— You have already commented on the history of Kulizhnikov’s suits, now there is another question about the suits: is the quality of national suits increasing?
— According to experts and the athletes themselves, they have now learned to make suits, the quality of which is practically not inferior to that of their foreign counterparts. And I certainly wouldn’t want to talk about the combination as a factor that is so reflected in the outcome. The difference in our results with those of the world is incommensurable with that which can be determined by the quality of the combinations.
It is possible to improve the quality of wetsuits based on consultations with manufacturers – this is a mutual process. The situation with skate blades is much more difficult. Specifically with blades, as we have already learned how to make boots from molds at a good level. You can literally count the number of world-class blade manufacturers on one hand.
— Let’s get back to the results. How to solve the motivation problem? What advice can you give to athletes?
– I already talked about it. I don’t understand what it’s like to lack motivation when you’re doing what you love at a high level. In this case, after the starting gun signal, all these thoughts must be turned off, you must run and show everything that you are capable of. I would advise you to concentrate on the work and not look for the problem due to lack of motivation; in general, you have to stop looking for reasons somewhere outside.
— So you think it’s time to reboot psychologically?
– It is high time. And our task is to preserve top athletes and then focus on the younger ones, so that later, when the issue of admission is resolved, they will be ready to compete at the international level.
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.
