Head coach of the Russian luge team Sergei Chudinov told that the lack of international competitions affects the motivation of athletes.
In June, the congress of the International Luge Federation (FIL) extended the suspension of Russian athletes from participation in competitions under the auspices of the organization. The next Winter Olympics will take place in Milan in February 2026.
“This season, a lot of work has been done in terms of specific preparation in terms of the number of races. Even if there had been international start-ups, we would have exceeded the amount of work we usually do by 10-15%. We held all the competitions we had planned. The Spartakiad was very moving and wonderful. There was courage, even though we had the same background, but the emotions were very raw.
In these realities, we are 100% fulfilled. The only thing I want is variety. Perhaps we should consider reconstruction options or other alternative options so that the Cup is not only held in Sochi.
— Which of the men had the best season?
— I can cite Alexander Gorbatsevich and Semyon Pavlichenko. Although Semyon says he has relaxed a little. Our top three has not changed, only the champions have changed. Somewhere Roman [Репилов] I threw myself into my own development a bit, looking for technical solutions in terms of improving the sled. This season, perhaps, everything has not gone as planned.
—Who can you identify among the women?
— Sofia Mazur took first place in the main competitions. For her, it’s a success. We need to work even harder and gain a foothold in the leadership status, because everyone will already try to challenge this title.
— Does the lack of international competitions have a significant impact on the motivation of athletes?
— That’s true, but we still have to see to what extent. Apart from Tatiana Ivanova, no one has finished their career. There is no loss. The emotional background works. This does not mean that there is overexcitement, but there is no discouragement or apathy. We find new ways to motivate, working more with the equipment,” Chudinov told .
Source : MatchTV
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