"I plan to take gold at the next Olympics"
On the night of February 24, a few representatives from the Winter Olympics in Italy returned to Russia. In particular, Nikita Filippov, our only medalist at the Games, won silver in ski mountaineering. In an interview with Izvestia, the 23-year-old athlete appreciated his performance, spoke about the support of the public and goals for the future.
"Silver was my middle ground"
— Did you feel the support of Russian fans during the Olympics?
— Yes, there was certainly support. I also received words of support and congratulations on the medal from many strangers on social networks. I am very grateful to everyone for this attitude. I am very glad that I was able to give positive emotions to myself and the audience who supported me. Thank them very much.
— How do you feel after returning from the Olympics?
— First of all, I am pleased with the results of my performance. I managed to take silver — that was my average plan. The minimum plan is to take a bronze medal. The maximum plan is to win gold.
— What would you say about the organization of the Olympiad?
— My impressions are mixed. First of all, due to the fact that almost all the venues of the competitions were scattered there. Not like in Sochi in 2014, when everything was almost in one place. Nevertheless, Italy has managed to feel the spirit of the Olympic Games. I'm glad I got through it. Especially because it ended with a medal for me.
— How did you prepare for the main starts in your career? Were there any special features in the preparation?
— Everything is the same as usual. Before each of the starts, I really tune in, I withdraw into myself. About a day before the start, I close myself off from people — I communicate very little with anyone. I'm getting as serious as possible. And after the race, the other person is on the positive side. It was the same at the Olympics. In terms of training, I did a lot of work before the Games. There was a lot of recovery — I went to bed early, got up early. And I've been practicing a lot.
— Did you manage to follow other competitions with the participation of Russians at the Olympics?
— Yes, I looked after them, supported them. And already at the closing ceremony of the Olympics, we managed to get to know them better — figure skaters Adelia Petrosyan, Peter Gumennik, and skiers Savely Korostelev and Daria Nepryaeva. Very good guys.
"I am glad to be a medal bearer of Russia"
— Does the fact that Russia has the only medal at this Olympics add value to your medal?
— Yes, of course, it adds. This is a unique event. Of course, we would like our team to win more medals. But if that's the case, then I'm glad to be the medal bearer of our country.
— Your sport is quite young and not very well-known. What are the prospects for its development in Russia after your success?
— Probably more, judging by the way I was greeted at Vnukovo airport after returning from the Olympics (smiles). Definitely more than it was before the Games.
— How do foreign ski climbers treat you at international competitions?
— As kind as possible. We have friendly relations within our sport. They remained the same as they were before the suspension. They support me and treat me well.
— What does it feel like to become a prize—winner of the first Olympic Ski Mountaineering Competition in the history?
— It is a great honor to become not only the first medalist in the history of Russia, but also one of the first three Olympic winners in ski mountaineering in the world. This is a unique event. I just wrote my name into history. I hope to develop this sport in Russia now.
— What are your plans for the future now?
— Win a gold medal at the next Olympic Games in 2030. And in the near future, the Russian Championship in Magnitogorsk, which will be held on February 25-27. I want to take two championship titles. And then there will be the European Championship in Baku.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
