There’s still so much I need to accomplish in this life (Part2)
24 Nov 2008- You’ve been recognized as best athlete of the year for the third time. Perhaps your emotions aren’t so great as when you first won the title?
- No, on the contrary, I value this last title more than any other. Then I was strong, and I thought that it would always be so. But now I’ve managed to overcome a difficult period, which spanned 2006 and 2007. I was able to change my life and prove that I’m still Yelena Isinbaeva, still able to win and break records. I won’t deny that the stories made me angry, saying how Isinbaeva’s era was over, that nothing more would come. Maybe these doubts from the journalists and fans that were just the right motivation for me.
- And now you’ve forgotten about training? – Prior to the Gala I’ve had five training days. It’s very difficult, and my whole body hurts. And this still without even taking a pole in my hands! So far I’ve only been doing power drills, stretching and running. Sometimes in the morning I just go up into the mountains, since there are enough of them in Monaco, and I walk, walk, walk… It’s so steep there that running is impossible!
- How did you occupy yourself after your Beijing triumph? – I rested for two whole months. I stayed at home in Volgograd for two weeks, with my family and friends. I attended the reception in honor of Olympians with the mayor and governor. Everyone was so happy to see me, since after all, I’m not a frequent visitor in Volgograd. Then I traveled by sea to Egypt – to sunbathe and swim. It was the perfect vacation – sun, sea and lots of delicious food. During the season I have to limit my sweets. I can’t forego chocolate entirely, but I at least try not to eat too much. And when it’s the off-season I can eat whatever I want without concern for my weight. That’s a real holiday!
- Compare your feelings about your Olympic victories: Now and four years ago. – In 2004 my emotions were considerably more. Now the fans have gotten used to my victories and records. In Volgograd, it was a series of “we all knew in advance, well okay yes, congratulations…” But for me the Beijing Olympics were harder than Athens. It’s always more difficult to repeat than doing something for the first time.
- Last season, did you achieve everything that you wanted and planned? – Perhaps not. I’d planned to win the winter world championship in Valencia with a world record, but instead only managed 4.75. I was a little disappointed.
- Your jumps are practically flights from five meters. Have you long ago stopped noticing, or do you still enjoy a sense of flight? – Yes, of course, I do. I suppose it’s only half a second, but I’m flying, and if it’s a successful jump, I delight in this instant.
- And you’ve never wanted, for example, to jump with a parachute? – Maybe, but only if with an instructor. I think alone, I’d just freeze at the threshold of the plane and would never jump. I even dove in Egypt, though not deep, not with a mask and aqualung. In reality, I’m afraid to die. There’s still so much I need to accomplish in this life!
- But you’re not afraid to pole vault? – In the sector there are lots of people; they’ll save me if I need it. (laughing) But seriously, I really don’t fear the pole vault. I love my event. It’s unlike any other, and indeed it’s just right for me. And incidentally, it’s very glamorous. I even think that next season I’ll start to jump with colorful tape on my pole. I’ve already discussed the possibility with the company that makes my poles.
