“Again, under what conditions? Of course, I will not say anything, go against my country, against the president.” Artem Kovalev on the competing in a neutral status
Translation of Artem Kovalev’s comments about motivation to continue skating and possible participation in the international competitions in a neutral status.
original source: Okko Sport
Artem Kovalev is a Russian single skater, he commented on the words of Dmitri Aliev about the lack of motivation. Here’s a translation of his comments.
“In principle, he is right. In fact, at any competitions, we have the same participants. Except for the Grand Prix stages. But at the main competitions, it’s always the same people. I think if you compare the two Russian Nationals now, there will be the same people…
Do I agree that the incentive and motivation start to disappear? There is a little bit of that. I understand that I will have to compete not with guys who have been skating for many years on the international stage, not with European champions… It’s clear that Dima (Aliev), Mark (Kondratiuk) – they are all titled guys. It’s interesting to compete with them, but I want to compete with other guys, not just the same ones… I agree with that, I already miss international competitions.
How do I keep myself going? Probably with the belief that everything will get better. I know that we are being allowed to the Summer Olympics. Even if they allow us under a neutral flag…
Again, under what conditions? If I have to say something publicly, then of course, no. Of course, I will not say anything, go against my country, against the president. That goes without saying.
I would like it to be without all these stumbling blocks… Because international competitions and Russian ones – they are a bit different.
I understand that the federation is trying to do everything for us – equipment, competitions at the Grand Prix stages, full stands cheering for us… It’s all cool, yes.
But the atmosphere at international competitions, at the same Grand Prix, where there are no spectators, but you understand that it’s still different. These are somewhat incomparable things,” Kovalev said.
Related topics: Artem Kovalev
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