Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 28 July (BelTA) – Young Belarusian athletes should prove their skill at world championships, Belarusian Sports and Tourism Minister Alexander Shamko said during a ceremony to honor the Belarusian athletes in Minsk on 28 July, BelTA has learned.

“Winning is hard, especially at international events. Every time young Belarusian athletes should prove that they are not accidental winners but regular contenders for top spots,” Alexander Shamko remarked. Moving from junior to senior level is a vital stage for a sportsman. According to the minister, coaches should not push this process. Instead, they should help young athletes avoid injuries, gradually adapt, and get into the top shape at the right moment.

Belarusian athletes won three medals at the European Athletics U23 Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland, seven medals at the European Athletics U20 Championships in Grossetto, Italy, and two medals at the IAAF World U18 Championships in Nairobi, Kenia. The Belarusian team picked up three golden medals in Europe: high jumper Dmitry Nabokov claimed gold in Bydgoszcz, high jumper Maxim Nedosekov and triple jumper Violetta Skvortsova were second to none in Grosetto.

IAAF World Championships due in London on 4-13 August will be the biggest event of this athletics season. According to Chairman of the Belarusian Athletics Federation Vadim Devyatovsky, many award winners of previous youth championships will definitely make Belarus’ national team at upcoming high-profile international events.