"You have to fight against something all the time"

The World Judo Championship ended in Baku last week. For the first time since 2021, the Russian national team performed at the world championship with its own flag and anthem. As a result, she managed to win six medals: one gold, one silver and four bronze.

Madina Taymazova won the bronze medal in the women's up to 70 kg weight category and the silver medal in the mixed team competition. Previously, she had two World Cup bronze medals and the same award from the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. In an interview with Izvestia, the athlete appreciated the last tournament, told what prevented her from winning gold and what it was like to compete under the flag of Russia.

— What is the special feature of this medal in Baku?

— The special thing is that this World Cup was held close to the Olympic Games — less than two years before them. So it was a good test of readiness for them. I can't say that I'm 100% satisfied with my result. There is something to work on. I made mistakes, but I didn't win the gold medal. So, we need to work harder and correct those very mistakes. And go to the gold medal.

— What was it like after a long break to compete at a competition of this level with your national symbols?

— The emotions are unforgettable. It is a great pride and great joy that the flag and anthem have been returned to us. With its own flag and anthem, it feels different. You understand even more what a great country you stand for.

Beautiful and catchy: Russians won six medals at the World Judo Championships

Inal Tasoev became a three-time winner of the World Cup gold, and the women's national team set a historical record.

— What should be done to successfully compete for gold at the next Olympics?

— Train, work, and don't give up.

— Do you feel that you are capable of this?

- of course. I won three times against my opponent (Austrian Michaela Polleres. — Ed.), to whom she lost in the quarterfinals of the World Championship in Baku. Why not do it again? (He smiles.) You just have to be in the best shape, approach the competition a little differently. I've had some injuries this year. Basically, if you fix all the problems, then everything will work out.

— Isn't this the first time you've had to win medals while dealing with the effects of injuries?

— Of course, injuries are an integral part of our profession, our sport. It is very rare to have perfect condition. As a rule, you have to fight against something all the time. Of course, I want to always feel good, so that there are no injuries. So that, as they say, a person would ring. But this rarely happens — this is probably what sports luck is when all the stars come together. I still believe in fate and luck too. And I hope that next time everything will come together. I always do my best. And some minor injuries that no longer depend on me sometimes haunt, sometimes not. Of course, we can help to reduce all this. But it is impossible to control the whole process. So the ideal shape also depends on luck.

— How would you rate the prospects in the team championship of the Russian national team, which won in this discipline in Baku?

— The prospects are good. We were aiming for gold at this World Cup. And next year, I think, we will win the long-awaited victory. We have a very strong team and coaching staff. And we deserve this gold.