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Post: Bolshunov – about skiing the world without Russia, family, fatherhood and Klebo

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Three-time Olympic champion Alexander Bolshunov, as expected, became one of the main stars of the Russian cross-country skiing championship in Tyumen. Summing up the season in an interview with the columnist of RIA Novosti Sport, the skier talked about the feelings his daughter had for him and said that the year was interesting, even if there were no international tournaments.

First, Alexander Bolshunov and I had to overcome a crowd of fans who did not want to let him go. At the discretion of the athlete, again tired after a tough race, he did not refuse anyone’s photo or autograph, and then took time and questions from our agency as part of a spontaneous interview on the way to “Pearl”. to the “Siberian” hotel.

Alexander Bolshunov - RIA Novosti, 1920, 22.03.2023
Alexander Bolshunov

– Alexander, admit it, do you feel that the end of next season is near?

– Definitely! Spring. It’s unfortunate that the season flew by so quickly. Because it looks like there’s only the beginning and that’s it – only a few races left. Winter is ending.

– At the beginning of this season, you were tired of the questions about the absence of international starts. As a result, it turned out that Russian competitions are no worse?

– Actually yes. At the beginning of the season, we were very burdened with the thought that we would live without international competitions. They were very worried. But when the sports year started, when they ran, the starts went one after another, then all those thoughts were gone. Yes, there was a World Cup. Yes I’m sorry. But it happened out there, and we competed with each other in Russia. And the season has obviously been very productive, both in terms of results and competitions. Now I can say with confidence: it was even great!

Ski race.  Russian championship.  Women.  Individual race - RIA Novosti, 1920, 21.03.2023

Biathletes ran without a rifle: Vyalbe did not allow them to ski before

– There was a feeling that you were a bit shrewd when you said you didn’t follow the international starts. Because here in Tyumen they said that they can fight with Sergei Ustyugov for the first two in the World Cup. So did you compare?

No, I did not compare. I really don’t, I really don’t. I only understand from our speed and well-being. Because Sergei is fine now, and so am I. Yes, at some beginnings I didn’t feel very well but even in such a situation I struggle with the kids. From the pace, I understand that at the World Cup stages, at the World Championships, Seryoga and I can “go” (laughs)! Playing first and second place is 100%.

Sergey Ustyugov, Champion peaks - RIA Novosti, 1920, 22.03.2023
Sergey Ustyugov, “Champion Peaks”

– In general, did you expect such agility from Ustyugov before the start of the season? He said in every interview that he was already tired of cross-country skiing, and here it is…

-Still, such an athlete who knows how to show results needed a challenge to prepare and test himself. And he accepted the challenge, which has been best approached in the last few years. Not surprisingly, it is now showing good results. In fact, he had a desire to try. And he succeeded.

Skiers Alexander Bolshunov and Sergei Ustyugov at the men's 30km skiathlon at the Russian Ski Championships in Tyumen.  -RIA Novosti, 1920, 19.03.2023

Ustyugov fell in the last round and missed Bolshunov: video

– I want to talk about the family issue. You get the feeling that the presence of a wife and daughter on the podium at the Russian Championships inspires you. how important is it?

– Very important. When I finished in the individual race, the skiathlon, I had this thought in my head: “Here, Eva is watching, we have to run faster, we have to try harder!” The race is over, I come to the room and a small miracle awaits me there. Already “That’s it, here I am!”, All the emotions, all the joy in it. The start was over, I won, but the most interesting will be when I get to the room.

How fast is it growing?

– Oh! I’m running the race, I’m coming and the situation has already changed (smiles)! There is already something new in it! That’s why I’m so glad that Anya supported me and Eva and came to competitions, training camps, which, by the way, is very important.

– We’re not finishing the baby boom in the national team. Are you already considering a second child?

– Here, as God will give, what to think. Something like this… That’s how it happens. Who knows.

Alexander Bolshunov - RIA Novosti, 1920, 22.03.2023
Alexander Bolshunov

– He already knows my father on TV, somehow reacts, maybe?

On TV, I don’t know. And of course he knows me (laughs). I try to spend as much time as possible with him every day, we play. Of course, he already perfectly understands everything, he knows that he has family here, this is 100%. He usually reacts differently to people. If an unfamiliar person comes, then he is very cautious. You will not smile right away. Such a serious man examines the stranger, examines, who is he, why did he come, why did he come? What thoughts did he come here with? But then it can somehow interact.

– I mean, it’s all in the father. After all, dad, for example, does not allow foreign journalists to come near him for a long time!

– Yes, everything is correct!

– Your character?

– I do not know it well. There is something!

– Returning to our problems, Elena Vyalbe told us in an interview that the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) considers the outright condemnation of a special military operation in Ukraine as one of the criteria for allowing the Russians to begin. your attitude?

– To be honest, this is not something I would want to discuss in an interview.

Winners (left to right) in the men's 15km long chase at the Tour de Ski cross-country skiing competition in Toblach, Italy: Sergey Ustyugov (Russia) - silver medal, Alexander Bolshunov (Russia) - gold medal.  -RIA Novosti, 1920, 19.03.2023

Wart compared the level of Bolshunov and Ustyugov

Have you thought about preparing for the next season?

– Yes, everything as usual according to plan. In “Malinovka” the main part will pass.

– What are your plans for your holiday?

– Family House. I haven’t seen the dog in a long time.

– Still, what is the main emotion you remember at the end of the season? Maybe those sensational “bags” with Ustyugov? Or something different?

– It’s hard to say. I don’t even remember now. There were interesting moments, but nothing as powerful as winning the Olympic Games.

– Do you miss Johannes Klebo? Or will you let him kidnap Alexander Bolshunov?

“I don’t even know what to answer. As I said, we were somewhat worried at the beginning of the season, but in the end we create such a competition here that all the viewers are interested.

Ski race.  Russian championship.  men.  Skiathlon - RIA Novosti, 1920, 20.03.2023

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Source: Ria

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