Dasha Domracheva has turned biathlon into one of favorite sports in Belarus. She has encouraged dozens of kids to take up the sport. She is Belarus' pride and a role model for many. Today, Darya came to visit Novopolotsk State School of Olympic Reserve, one of the country's major sports facilities that raise future Olympic champions in biathlon.
Gloomy skies, drizzling and windy weather didn't spoil the perfect mood of the school students and officials, including Secretary General of the Belarusian Biathlon Federation Anatoly Stromsky and, of course, Darya Domracheva.
The guests are taken on a guided tour around the school building, shooting training facility, lodging, and a dining room. Children welcome the guest and, with bated breath, listen to every word of their idol.
“Such popularity is, of course, flattering, but at the same time means responsibility,” says Darya. “You see, I do not do anything special to be an example for others. If my work somehow helps the younger generation, then of course I am very happy. But I want the guys to set big goals themselves, work hard and achieve them,” she noted.
The school has an artificial track made with the help of Finnish all-weather snow cannon. Senior students are practicing cross-country skiing technique.
Darya cheers the students and takes photos of the training session. “The weather is not biathlon-friendly and does not allow keeping the snow pillow. I can tell from my experience that the cover may be quickly destroyed by rain. Nevertheless, it is a big step forward. This plain ring gives these guys an opportunity to start practicing from early November already,” the biathlete said.
Director of the school Valery Gushchin continues the tour around the school grounds and talks about the initiative to set up a center of youth biathlon at the school. The most talented children aged 10 and up will be selected across the country on an annual basis.
Secretary General of the Belarusian Biathlon Federation Anatoly Stromsky explains that an experimental group of seven children aged 12-17 has already been set up. On 12 November they will travel to Finland for a 15-day training camp. The national biathlon team are currently training in Finland getting ready for the new season. “It is our experiment which is financed by the state, the federation and the Biathlon Club. We will select up to 10 young biathletes every year. They will work with good coaches, Vasily Leshchenko of Belarus and Alexander Khlusovich of Russia. We need to raise our own champions, provide them with everything necessary: skis, rifles, equipment,” said Anatoly Stromsky.
Darya Domracheva supports the idea. “I hope that the school will develop the program that will help these youngsters to become not only great athletes but also decent and educated persons. I am sure that we will see many of these guys on TV representing our country in the future,” she said.
The school has a museum devoted to its successful graduates and those who represent Belarus at large-scale competitions today. Master of sport in judo Valeria Polovkina, master of sport in weightlifting Marina Markovich, and candidate master of sport in biathlon Darya Kudayeva give a tour of the museum. Among the exhibits there are photos, autographs, and prizes, including Anna Sola's gold medal at IBU Youth/Junior World Championships in Raubichi.
Darya Domracheva's photo with her autograph takes pride of place among the exhibits. The athlete made an entry into museum's guestbook.
Finally, Darya started the main part of her visit – the clinic.
“I am not sure whether you already know the things I am going to show you, but I hope that they will be useful. I have decided to focus on my favorite exercises that help build up the muscles that are important for biathletes,” Darya Domracheva noted.
Specially for the clinic, Darya brought a TRX trainer and taught the young athletes how to use it.
The students showed Darya the exercises they already knew and tried some new ones. “We will certainly include these exercises in our training program,” Ilya Avseyenko said.
By the way, the 17-year-old boy was born in Senno. He is one of seven lucky members of the experimental group. This is not the first meeting of the boy with the famous biathlete. He takes an active part in the training which is a source of good mood, positive emotions and experience.
“I have never attended a sport school. I was a student of a secondary school, went in for skiing and then biathlon. There were no such sport schools in the town of my childhood. Today I was happy to see that teachers love and respect children, and are fully aware that comprehensive development of their potential and skills is very important. They understand that children are fond of sport and give it all their energy,” Darya Domracheva said.
Speaking about her plans to either support Belarusian team or be a member of the service team this year, she said that she is going to attend one of the World Cup events. “I want to take a rest to recharge and then start new competitions with fresh vigor,” the athlete added.
After the autograph session with numerous fans Darya Domracheva talks to Novopolotsk Mayor Dmitry Demidov and the representatives of OAO Naftan oil refinery which is a sponsor of the biathlete and of the Olympic training school.
Children share their impressions and make plans to win Olympic medals in the future.
Yekaterina KNYAZEVA
photo by Alexander KHITROV
BELTA.-0-
