Nordic SkiingCross-country skiing
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Elena Valbe (right in photo d'' era), in addition to being a legend of skiing, occupies several years the dual role of federal president and head coach of Russian background. Interviewed by the daily sports-expressen has released several interesting statements which follow this.
Thursday 10 October 2013 5 minutes reading time
How is the preparation of the team? "They are happy with the situation. Nearly all athletes were in good health.'' The only one who has had physical problems Panzhinskiy Alexander was hit by a violent form of sinusitis and otitis that has forced to take antibiotics for a long time. now is recovering, but it is unlikely we will see him on the track early in the season because being debilitated can not be competitive in November. "
Speaking more specifically, how are you preparing for the Olympic Games? "In the spring, my advice is to ignore their existence! Thought of the Olympic Games is likely to be deleterious if it becomes an obsession, we have had the demonstration ' 'Last year when several athletes have been overwhelmed by the pressure of the World Cup. I would avoid that something similar happens to Sochi. Fortunately our two leader, Nikita kriukov and Alexander Legkov, have held up the expectations placed on them. Especially the first proved to have nerves of steel, but it is not for everyone. "
What do you expect from Sochi 2014? "Years ago, before being elected president of the federation, was fixed'' the aim of winning 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze. Instead, my personal opinion is that you can win 4 gold" .
Do not think too much to raise the'' rod? "We have a group capable of continuously pungolarsi each other. There are men at the top of their career (Legkov, kriukov and Vylegzhanin) that being around 30 years old may have their last chance to Sochi to win the Olympic Games, because behind them the group of younger boys (Ustiugov, Belov, Sedov) paws and threatens to scalzarli. ask the team I do not think something unattainable, I think we can really win 4 gold. But them not pretend I'm just saying we can do it and athletes owe nothing to anyone. "
Have you already decided the stages of approach to the Olympic Games? "As announced for sure our big not participate in the Tour de Ski. In Norway said that Russia has spat on the event, a false statement and for which we do not care. First because the Russians will be there, maybe not the strongest, but we will be represented. Moreover it seems to me that in the past Bjoergen has missed the Tour de Ski to prepare for the Olympics and World Cup, but no one in Norway criticized the choice. "
Did you know that Vladimir Putin during the World Athletics Championships phoned the athletes before the race? What do you think? "According to me is wrong. You can not imagine what the stress level at which an athlete is subjected during the Olympic Games. If Putin really cares, then call kriukov,'' would be the only one able to not be impressed. "
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