Blamestorming of power-lifters

Russian power-lifters won six medals at the London Olympics. Natalya Zabolotnaya, Apti Aukhadov, Tatyana Kashirina, Alexander Ivanov and Svetlana Tsarukayeva got silver medals; Ruslan Albegov – bronze. “The results of competitions over two years gave us the maximum number of tickets to the Olympic Games. Another six guys and four girls had to participate in London,” Sergey Syrtsov, President of the Russian Power-Lifting Federation, says. However, because of an injury the only three-time women's world champion (69 kg), Oksana Slivenko, didn’t take part in the Olympics. Two male athletes fell out of the race – last year's champion Khajimurat Akkayev and last year's runner-up Dmitry Klokov. Slivenko and Klokov stayed at home, but Akkayev came to London, but didn’t take part in the competitions. The Federation estimated that Slivenko and Akkayev could take gold medals. “We lost two gold medals, gave them to other countries,” Syrtsov says. “At the last moment we substituted Slivenko with Zabolotnaya. Zabolotnaya came to London, performed perfectly in all six tries. She lifted a weight which would have won a gold medal. But her own weight was heavier and she took second place… Others showed good results too, they won five silver medals and one bronze medal. We don’t think it is a failure, but feel uncomfortable. We promised the ministry six medals – 2 golds, 2 silvers, 2 bronzes. We fulfilled the general number, but lack a gold.”

David Rigert, the head coach of the men's team

We found ourselves in a stalemate situation. On July 26 the final application of the teams took place. We managed to substitute only Slivenko for Zabolotnaya. As for the men, we found out about injuries when it was too late. Akkayev’s back hurt, but we couldn’t imagine the consequences. It was too serious, a big hernia was revealed. There was a risk that Akkayev could lose the use of his legs. The surgery was performed in London, and doctors saved his life. As for the judges, everybody noted that when our athlete came, he or she was stopped: they began to clean a barbell or the podium, and so on. But this shouldn’t bother us. I used to be an athlete, I know it contributes to the desire to win.

Alexander Venkov, senior coach of Russian men's power-lifting team

I’m proud of performance of the 19-year old Apti Auhadov (85 kg), who won a silver medal. He qualified at these Games through intense competition. He couldn’t take part in the country’s championship in Saransk – to be more precise, he performed there, but picked up an injury and failed to continue. That is the kind of sport we do – there are always injuries. But this guy managed to pull himself together, took part in two training camps of the main team and qualified through the contest in Taganrog. I think he represented our country with dignity and won a silver medal.

Anton Kislyakov, vice-president of the Russian Power-Lifting Federation

Injuries and the absence of leaders influenced the general mental condition of the team. Everybody expected a first gold medal. But the participants performed properly and brought medals to Russia. Thus, they proved that we are one of the strongest countries in the world.

Tatyan Kashiriva, vice-champion of the Olympics

I improved my own record – surpassed three world and four Olympic records. However, the Chinese Chjou Lulu beat the record right after me. I did my best, fought till the end. At the moment this rival is stronger, but I came close to her. So there is a possibility to improve our results.

Alexander Ivanov, vice-champion of the Olympics

I tried not to think that it was the Olympic Games because when an athlete begins to think about it, he receives a much heavier load of responsibility and cannot perform in full strength. I’m always nervous. It doesn’t matter – the championship of Russia or the Olympic Games – I’m always excited.