Three-time Paralympic alpine ski champion Alexei Bugaev told that the Sochi 2014 Paralympics were the best two weeks of his sporting career.
At the Sochi Games, Bugaev, at the age of 16, won two gold medals in slalom and super combined, two silvers in downhill and giant slalom and a bronze in super-G.
— I had the most wonderful impressions, they were my first Games. The Paralympic Games in Sochi were the best both in terms of organization and in terms of the emotions I felt during the competition. I have something to compare: in 2018 I played in the Pyeongchang Games and in 2022 we came to Beijing, but we were not allowed to play. In Sochi, everything was at the highest level: infrastructure, quality of tracks, conditions for athletes. During these Games, we felt the support of our fans, our Russian spirit. It was the best two weeks of my sporting career.
— Didn’t you expect such success at 16?
– It’s not that I didn’t expect it. We had preliminary training and competitions, and the process was gaining momentum. Before the Paralympic Games in Sochi, I participated in the World Championships, the World Cup and I understood my level and I understood that I could have medals. But I didn’t think I would win prizes in all five disciplines. I understood that I could play with dignity and please the country, the supporters, the technical staff and myself.
— After the Sochi Games, you won all five gold medals at the 2015 World Championships. What is your progress now?
— I am still an active athlete. I now compete in regional competitions in Russia. Even though I had the opportunity to participate in international competitions, I tried to show the best of myself. At the World Championships which took place in January 2022 in Norway, I won five medals, which I was very happy about. I was ready to perform well at the Beijing Paralympics, but, alas, we were banned. I felt like I could win there too.
— The next Winter Paralympic Games will take place in 2026. What are your expectations and objectives?
— Of course, I want to go to these Games and, in general, take part in as many competitions of this type as possible. The Paralympics are the main start of a career. We will see what the situation will be in the world. If alternative Games are organized in Russia with the invitation of foreign athletes who wish to come to us, I completely agree, welcome! “I will be very happy to compete with our colleagues from other countries,” Bugaev told .
The 2014 Paralympic Games took place in Sochi from March 7 to 16.
Source : MatchTV
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