Opinions & Interviews

Viktor Lukashenko: 2020 Winter Youth Olympics medals are a result of successful teamwork

Ilya Korzun and Viktor Lukashenko

MINSK, 18 February (BelTA) – Medals won by Belarusian athletes at the 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games are a result of successful teamwork by athletes, their coaches and parents, First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus Viktor Lukashenko said as he spoke at the athletes’ honoring ceremony on 18 February, BelTA has learned.

Belarus won two medals in Switzerland. Ilya Korzun won a gold medal in the Men's Mixed NOC 3-on-3 event. Yulia Kovalevskaya won bronze in biathlon.

“Dear Ilya and Yulia, please accept my sincere congratulations on the awards of the Winter Youth Olympic Games. First of all, they are your merit, the result of your hard work. I think that there would not be these medals but for the well-coordinated work of the whole team: the coaching staff, your loved ones and friends. I hope that the medals of the Winter Youth Olympic Games will be the beginning of your great career in the sport of high achievements,” Viktor Lukashenko said addressing the athletes.

“You deserve high places. Both to those who won medals and to those who could not get on the podium, I wish strong health, and good luck on this difficult but honorable road. You must understand that if we can help you in any way, our doors are always open,” said the first vice president of the NOC.

“On behalf of the Presidential Sports Club, I express my gratitude for your hard work. I would like to thank not only our medalists for their performance, but also those who have contributed to this great result: parents, coaches, relatives and friends, the whole team. I am confident that we will meet with some of you at the ceremony of awarding the Presidential Sports Club scholarships. You have a long way to go in the direction you have chosen,” Deputy Chairperson of the Central Council, Executive Director of the Presidential Sports Club Andrei Karpovich said.

The ceremony to honor the medalists of the 3rd Winter Youth Olympic Games 2020 that took place in Lausanne on 9-22 January was held at the Hall of Olympic Glory at the National Olympic Committee on 18 February.

Belarus fielded its athletes in biathlon, Alpine skiing, speed skating, cross-country skiing, and ice hockey.

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