Garth: “I was expecting gold from Demchenko in Sochi, but he’s still a great guy. No wonder his record is said to be worthy of the Guinness Book of Records.

President of the Russian Luge Federation Natalia Garth told she was sure the luger Albert Demchenko will be able to show a high level at the Olympic Games in Sochi.

Demchenko won silver in luge at the Sochi Olympics. In total, four attempts, he achieved a time of 3 minutes 28.002 seconds. The German Felix Loch became champion (3 minutes 27.526 seconds) and the Italian Armin Zoggeler won the bronze medal (3 minutes 28.797 seconds). Demchenko’s medal became the fourth for Russia at the Olympics, Albert himself set a record for the number of participations in the Winter Games (seven in a row).

— Albert Demchenko won individual and relay silver in Sochi, although it was his seventh consecutive Olympics. How unique is it, is it difficult to maintain the level for more than 20 years?

“I think not everyone can do that.” No wonder his record is said to be worthy of the Guinness Book. Only sincere love for one’s work and the character of a real fighter can give such a result.

— 42 years old, silver medal at the Olympic Games. Were you convinced that Albert would perform at such a high level?

— In fact, I was expecting gold (smile). But Albert is still a great guy. Her silver medal inspired us and helped the relay team believe in themselves and win another prize for our country. I remember how much I believed in the success of my entire team. I’m glad they didn’t disappoint!

— For Albert, it was the first relay race. What role did Demchenko play in winning relay silver?

— Albert’s medal in the individual race gave the whole team a lot of confidence. In the relay, Demchenko again showed the second result, losing only to Felix Loch. Tatiana Ivanova and the crew of Sasha Denisyev and Vlad Antonov showed one result out of three in their race. This stability allowed us to confidently take second place on the podium,” Garth told .