That's a nice interview. Both Alina's have been the target of vituperation and envy.
Discovery of the year?
- Alina Zagitova.
You probably know that Alina Zagitova , who won the Olympic gold, was named in your honour. Admit it, you followed her performances with special feelings?
Yes, I watched, and with a special feeling, she is very bright, talented. And she wins, of course, not because they named her in my honour, but because she is hardworking and purposeful. These are the qualities that her parents and coaches instilled in her. And we should be grateful to them for having created such a bright athlete.
- I know that you communicated with Zagitova after her success at the Olympics. If it's not a secret, what was she told?
- No, this is erroneous information. After the Olympics, I did not communicate with her, it was not so important for me to, because there were probably many who wanted to congratulate her on the victory without me. I called Alina in March after the World Cup in Milan, where she performed poorly to support her. I said that all athletes have triumphs and defeats. It was like that with me.
I am sure that Alina Zagitova will repeatedly delight us with her bright victories.