“The Ukrainian judoka talked about the results of the year and her performance at the 2024 Olympic Gamesβ, β write: sport.ua
“I do not consider 2024 to be a happy year in my sports career, because the main goal was a medal from the Olympic Games. Unfortunately, I did not manage to defeat her. Of course, it’s nice that I started winning medals in a new weight category, became the European champion. It’s all nice, but I still wanted to win a medal at the Olympics, so, unfortunately, I can’t say that the year was successful. Yes, but I always dreamed to the maximum. I am a maximalist, so I always want more. If I won the European Championship, that’s cool, but I still want to win gold at the Olympic Games, because it’s the biggest competition in our sport. Therefore, yes, I have such a mindset.
To be honest, it is really difficult to train in difficult conditions, because it is already difficult for athletes due to heavy loads, many injuries. And there is extra stress – alarms, sirens, rockets, and all this is very difficult morally. But still, we have a pretty good result at the Olympic Games. We have medals. Therefore, Ukrainians, in principle, are a very strong people. I think we are capable of winning medals even in such conditions. But it’s still not easy – it’s too much stress. And, of course, I want to thank the Armed Forces of Ukraine for the fact that we have the opportunity to train, prepare and go to competitions.
To be honest, the first year, when the full-scale war began, there was a lot of attention, all foreigners wanted to help, they understood that we were in a difficult situation. I don’t feel like that now. Many people have probably forgotten how we live, in what situation we are, that we really have a war going on and people are dying. Therefore, I would still like to broadcast more and show that not everything is so simple here and it is difficult for us. So that people from different countries understand this and try to help if they can.
End of career? To be honest, I had not seen such news and I had no such plans. Until I finish my sports career. And, of course, I always have big plans. So let’s see. Of course, the first year after the Olympic Games is so much smoother, half-rest, half-training, because mentally it is very difficult. Four years of preparation for the Olympic Games is very exhausting. So let’s see how my health will feel, whether I can last another four years. I think it will become clear in the process.”