MINSK, 27 July (BelTA) – I was happy to learn that the Russian team was admitted to the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, head coach of Belarus rhythmic gymnastics team Irina Leparskaya told BelTA during an open training session of the national team on 27 July.
Irina Leparskaya commented on the recent doping scandals and the ban imposed on some Belarusian and Russian athletes. “I have always considered doping unacceptable, especially in gymnastics. I am very happy that Russia's national rhythmic gymnastics team was admitted to the Games in Rio. It is one of the strongest teams in the world. Lori Fung won gold at the Olympic Games in 1984 but she knows well that her award is of different value because Soviet gymnasts were not competing in Los Angeles. In Rio there will be a real fight,” Irina Leparskaya said.
Irina Leparskaya regretted the decision to impose a one-year suspension on Belarus men's national canoe and kayak team. “For us, gymnasts, the canoe and kayak team was always an example to follow. I believe that Vladimir Shantarovich is the best coach of Belarus. I am very disappointed that they were not able to quickly sort out the situation with the canoe and kayak team,” she said.
“Belarusian gymnasts still have work to do in the run-up to the games. The girls are very nervous. Each of them wants to return to Minsk with a decent result, feeling no shame about her performance. Of course, you need a great deal of luck to make the Olympic podium. But the most important thing for the athletes now is to stay healthy and injury-less before they hit the carpet in Rio,” the head coach said.
Belarus' national rhythmic gymnastics team will set off for Rio de Janeiro on 5 August. Melitina Staniouta and Yekaterina Galkina will perform in the individual all-around. Belarus will also perform in group exercises. Medal events in rhythmic gymnastics will be held on 20 and 21 August.
