MINSK, 15 April (BelTA) - After a long hiatus, it will be quite difficult for Belarusian and Russian athletes to return to the international sports arena, but they should overcome all the challenges, Olympic rhythmic gymnastics champion of Rio 2016 Anastasiia Maksimova said at the National Athletes’ Forum in Minsk, BelTA has learned.
“Of course, after a five-year break, it is not easy to perform at a high level immediately; missing international competitions has an effect. However, our athletes have not been sitting idle, they have trained hard and competed whenever possible. So, Belarusians and Russians should adapt quickly and reclaim their leading positions. They are already doing it. Now patience and hard work are what we need to succeed,” Anastasiia Maksimova stressed.
She also praised the organization of the Athletes’ Forum in Minsk and underlined how important it is. “Events like these are essential for further interactions between Belarusians and Russians. At these meetings, we always have plenty to discuss, share experiences and knowledge, which help athletes from both countries grow. I have been in Minsk before, we regularly discuss cooperation between the Athletes’ Commissions of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus and the Russian Olympic Committee, and we always find common ground,” Anastasiia Maksimova emphasized.
“Of course, after a five-year break, it is not easy to perform at a high level immediately; missing international competitions has an effect. However, our athletes have not been sitting idle, they have trained hard and competed whenever possible. So, Belarusians and Russians should adapt quickly and reclaim their leading positions. They are already doing it. Now patience and hard work are what we need to succeed,” Anastasiia Maksimova stressed.
She also praised the organization of the Athletes’ Forum in Minsk and underlined how important it is. “Events like these are essential for further interactions between Belarusians and Russians. At these meetings, we always have plenty to discuss, share experiences and knowledge, which help athletes from both countries grow. I have been in Minsk before, we regularly discuss cooperation between the Athletes’ Commissions of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus and the Russian Olympic Committee, and we always find common ground,” Anastasiia Maksimova emphasized.
Photo by Sergey Sheleg/BelTA
Follow us on:
