How are Vitebsk trampolinists preparing for the Tokyo Olympics?
The Belarusian trampoline team, largely comprised of Vitebsk athletes and specialists, is preparing for the main event of 2020 – the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
The past season was successful for the trainees of SDYUSSHOR No. 1. Among the recent competitions, the World Cup in Valladolid, Spain, is worth mentioning, where Vladislav Goncharov won gold in individual jumps, Oleg Ryabtsev took fourth place, and Nikolay Fomchenko, along with Ivan Litvinovich from Vileyka, secured third place in synchronized jumps.
The World Championships in Tokyo were triumphant for the men's team, which included Vladislav Goncharov and Oleg Ryabtsev. For the first time in 25 years (!), they became the strongest in the world in team competitions. In synchronized jumps, Vladislav and Oleg won silver medals.
And, of course, the opening of the Trampoline Centre in Vitebsk was a remarkable event. It was there that we managed to catch our sports stars during their training camp in their hometown and have a conversation with them.
Olga Vlasova, Head Coach of the Belarusian National Team:
– Honestly, right now, I just want to take a breath after all the competitions that have passed. The first starts will be in February: a World Cup stage in Azerbaijan. Before that, we don't want to think about anything else (laughs). But speaking seriously, the year is also expected to be very productive. After the trip to the Transcaucasus, there will be a tournament in Italy, and the World Championship in Sweden. Then, a series of competitions are planned for us, including the national championship and the international tournament in memory of the honored coach of Belarus, Valery Vagel, in Vitebsk. In the summer, there will be World Cup stages in Portugal and Switzerland. Those who will be preparing for the Olympics, and our talented youth, will not go to the latter. Then we will head to the main competition of the four-year period. Each country can get a maximum of four licenses: two for men and two for women. And if the men already have them secured, the women are still struggling to obtain them. All hope is on Maria Makharinskaya from Vitebsk, if she performs well at the World Cup stages. In general, the licenses are not personal, meaning we will see closer to the Olympics who is better prepared and has no health problems. Although, with a high degree of confidence, we can say that our previous Games winner, Vladislav Goncharov, will also go to Japan.
Vasily Shulikin, senior coach of the national team, veteran of Vitebsk trampoline:
– I am pleased that a positive atmosphere prevails in our team, although there is huge competition. Currently, we are mainly conducting recovery training camps. It is pleasant that excellent conditions have been created for them in Vitebsk. Our center offers accommodation for athletes from other cities. Our Olympic champion Vladislav Goncharov is currently absent from the team: we let him go for exhibition performances in Europe.
Oleg Ryabtsev, World Champion 2019:
– I feel proud that last year I participated in the historic achievement of our national team. I also added silver to my, so to speak, collection for synchronized performances with Vladislav Goncharov. Earlier, he and I had already become world champions twice in pair competitions. I want to win medals at the European and World Championships in individual jumps as well. So far, the only podiums I have achieved in this discipline at the most serious competitions were at the World Cup stages.