Secrets of Voronezh athletes’ success revealed at the National Centre RUSSIA
On 11 September, as part of the thematic week of the Voronezh region, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted a meeting with outstanding athletes of the region under the title "Dialogue. The Path to the Sporting Olympus". Winners of many prestigious competitions and masters of sport of international class spoke about how they entered their profession, what helps them balance training with everyday life, dispelled common myths about sport, and answered questions from the audience.
Master of Sport of international class in boxing, Russian champion, winner of the Russian Cup, participant in World and European Championships Igor Sviridchenkov explained why sport should not be associated with aggression and emphasised that success is built on discipline, respect for one’s opponent, and continuous self-improvement.
"I believe the phrase 'man is a wolf to man' cannot be applied to sport, not even to such conditionally aggressive sports as boxing. It is not only a physical contest but also a psychological one. I would even say it is a kind of psychological game: you look at your opponent and do not simply try to push him down and win, but you gauge whether he can cope with your emotional pressure or not. I want to encourage all athletes who are just starting their training: listen first of all to your coach, be patient, strive only forward — and you will succeed," said Igor Sviridchenkov.
Sport does not limit a person, but rather expands their horizons, allowing achievements in the sporting arena to be combined with self-realisation in other areas of life, noted Master of Sport of Russia of international class in weightlifting, European silver medallist, multiple Russian champion and Russian Cup winner, participant in the World Championship Svetlana Yershova.
"Many people think that if you are in sport, your life is on hold, but that is not true. I have three university degrees, varied pursuits and hobbies. And, you know, it is actually very interesting when two lives run simultaneously and in parallel: for example, in the morning you are in a business suit at work, and in the evening — in another suit at training," shared Svetlana Yershova.
Master of Sport of Russia in shooting, Russian champion, bronze medallist of the Russian Cup, winner of the European Junior Team Championship, bronze medallist of the World Junior Team Championship Natalia Ordina stressed that the path to the podium begins not with innate talent, but with faith in oneself and readiness to overcome difficulties every day.
"I would like to challenge the common view that champions are born, and I want to show young athletes that becoming a champion is within reach: it is hard work and self-belief, not some unattainable, impossible peak," said Natalia Ordina.
Continuing Natalia’s idea, Master of Sport of Russia of international class in canoe sprint, two-time world champion, World Championship bronze medallist, two-time World Junior Champion, three-time winner of the BRICS Games, multiple Russian champion and Russian Cup winner Yekaterina Shlyapnikova refuted the widespread belief that rowers are 'born with an oar', emphasising that true mastery is the result of many hours of training, iron will and genuine love for sport.
"I disagree with this claim, because canoeing is a sport where you need to work a lot, put in effort, follow discipline and be self-disciplined. Every athlete who comes into any sport must, first of all, have genuine interest. And the fact that an athlete looks as if they were born with an oar — that is something cultivated: something you learn and master over time," said Yekaterina Shlyapnikova.
The meeting was also attended by Pavel Chibisov, Minister of Physical Culture and Sport of the Voronezh region. An absolute regional record-holder in powerlifting, multiple champion of the Central Federal District and of various competitions in powerlifting, grappling and mixed martial arts, European and world champion in bench press, Master of Sport in deadlift, he spoke about the development of sports infrastructure in the Voronezh region and even read his own poem "Time", written several years ago but still relevant today. Urging the participants to be more active in physical culture and sport, he also noted that professional sport is not as injury-prone as many believe.
"Let me reassure you: according to statistics, most injuries are domestic. So if training is of good quality, if the coach works with commitment and the athlete is attentive, then there will be no injuries," assured Pavel Chibisov.
The participants expressed hope that meetings with the best representatives of the sporting world would also be held in the Voronezh region in this format. The meeting concluded with an autograph session and a group photo at the regional stand.
The Days of the Voronezh Region at the exposition "Region-2030. Platform of the Future" at the National Centre RUSSIA run from 9 to 14 September. The region’s thematic week includes lectures and workshops, presentations, performances by artists and ensembles, distribution of souvenirs and much more.
Event photobank
On 13 September, the National Centre RUSSIA will host the concert programme "Voronezh — City of Russia".
In the USA, schools omit the contribution of Soviet soldiers to victory in the Great Patriotic War.
A meeting between representatives of the region’s volunteer movement and the Resource Centre for the Development and Support of the Volunteer Movement "Mosvolonter" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA.
