"I need a horizon line": Elfutina on health problems, Tutberidze's talent and popularization of sailing

"It's still a long way to return to professional sports"

- Not a single landmark interview has been published with you in three years.

What explains such a long silence?

- It was a pretty difficult time.

It's not easy for me to remember the last two years, and indeed the whole cycle between the Olympics in Rio and Tokyo.

And talking in such a state did not seem to be the best option.

Why whine at the camera again ...

- Did it take time to realize?

- At the end of 2019, I had health problems.

In principle, professional athletes have to deal with them, this is not news.

At such moments every day you ask yourself: health or sports?

And then you argue with yourself for a long time.

Even before the Games in Rio, there were breakdowns, I had to be operated on and undergo rehabilitation.

But two years ago it became completely unbearable.

It was necessary to do something about my health, although I understood that about six months remained before Tokyo.

This is very little for recovery and reaching the peak of the form.

- And then the coronavirus came to your "rescue", because of which the Olympics were postponed for a year?

- Yes, the quarantine for me began very on time, otherwise I don’t know how the story with my health would have ended.

I took care of myself, although I did not fully understand whether I could find myself the same.

We waited until the last, since the body is not a machine, it is impossible to predict when it will start working at full capacity.

I was told not to rush, to recover as much as necessary.

I am very grateful to the federation and the coach for meeting halfway.

We didn't have a clear plan, we just worked with the thought: we need to return.

In Chinese medicine, it is generally accepted that how much the disease is acquired, the same amount of time is needed for its treatment.

But my problems have a much longer path than the quarantine lasted, so, unfortunately, more time is needed.

Professional sports are associated with wild loads, and the recovery period will only increase with age.

I don’t want to feel like an old man at a young age.

- Can you tell us more about the health problems that left you without the Games in Japan?

- Before, I did not understand what was happening to me. Now that most of the process is over, it is much easier for me to talk about it. Everybody associates sailing with girls, martinis, swimwear and resorts. But the Olympic tournament is a little different. Here you plow for wear and tear, and any organ can shut down if it cannot withstand the load. In my case, it was the heart. There were other problems that overlapped.

I had a minimal genetic predisposition to this disease, but sports made it worse.

So I would have learned about the problem at the age of 60, but because of him I encountered it at the age of 17. And at the age of 20 I had to do serious expensive operations.

Everyone talks about the profitability of professional sports all the time, but I don't earn as much as footballers, although I also earn a lot.

But everything went to rehabilitation, there was not enough money.

Fortunately, there were people who helped me.

In a word, everything is not as beautiful as it seems to many.

- Can we say that everything is over now, and a bright future awaits you?

- A bright future - in any case, but with sports it will be visible, because in such a situation, not only the physical, but also the mental side suffers.

We need to work in all directions.

Most of the rehabilitation has been completed, and I live a normal life like a healthy person.

But it's still a long way from returning to professional sports, there are crazy loads there.

I continue to work at my own pace, as I decided that health is more important.

Moreover, now the Olympic class is being replaced, everything will start from scratch.

There is no hurry.

• Elfutin - about health problems and their consequences

- When athletes see the goal, they often do not want to listen to doctors and overcome pain.

Is this not your case?

- I had the opposite situation.

I don't want to blame anyone, but I felt that something was wrong with me, the heart rate monitor showed exorbitant numbers.

Seizures began.

It let go for a while, but then rolled again.

People around me saw that I was a healthy person, that I looked normal.

But we're talking about heart problems, not a broken arm or leg that can be seen with the naked eye.

I wanted to get tested, but it gave practically nothing.

Russian medicine has failed.

I was told that everything was in order, but I myself felt that it was not.

And already in Germany, after the examination, they began to shake their fingers at me and asked me to think well about continuing my sports career.

It was at the beginning of 2019, and I decided that I was smarter than everyone else, so I will continue to prepare for the Games.

However, this idea had to be abandoned.

- Is it a strong blow to self-esteem if you miss the national team?

- No, because this is my deliberate decision.

I could continue to mock the body, squeeze out the last forces and train for wear, knowing that I would have succeeded.

But common sense prevailed.

- If there was no Rio bronze, would this affect your decision?

- I think in the current state it was impossible to continue in principle.

It doesn't matter if it was the first or the last Olympics.

Even if I was alone in the competition.

Of course, such a decision is difficult to make, because athletes live with the thought of the Games, every second they think only about them.

I'm not an exception.

Everything that I did day and night, providing myself with quality sleep - everything was only for medals, the Olympics and training.

It was insanely difficult, but I had to stop.

- Head coach of the Russian national sailing team Natalya Ivanova

stated that with regard to you, there is no question of retirement.

Is she not dissembling?

- The change of class is of key importance.

If it had remained the same, there would have been a different scenario.

Now we have a new one in high esteem - foil.

As far back as I can remember, I have always stood on the board and I know it like the back of my hand.

But when I went out on the water with new equipment, I realized that you need to learn from scratch.

Yes, it is difficult, everything is new, but now I can calmly devote time to health, not set wild goals for myself, as I had since childhood - there was maximalism, in my thoughts only the Game.

Therefore, I do not bet on continuing my career, I just start everything from scratch.

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"Athletes are treated like driven horses."

- The pride of athletes is hit hard when they win quotas for major tournaments, but they themselves cannot go

...

- No, there were no offenses about the quota, because I have great respect for my rivals, they are beauties.

With someone we have been together since childhood, someone is older and more experienced, someone is younger and more promising.

But in any case, the last word was mine, I would have gone if the situation had turned out differently.

Yes, it’s hard now, but then it will be clear why I had such a test.

Otherwise, I'm glad that someone else got a chance to represent the country and test themselves.

- After returning to duty, it will be necessary to prove that you are better than those who came after you.

How hard is it?

- Now I am watching what kind of struggle unfolds in the national teams of China, Poland, France and Italy, where there is colossal competition.

I would be happy if we had the same.

Of course, before the Games it is hard to fight for a place in the team, but in Russia few people go in for sailing.

I would really like people to race and try to beat me tactically or technically.

This will enable all of us to develop.

I can only say one thing: I always fight by the rules, and if you are not the strongest, then this is only your problem.

- It is always hard for an athlete when he is left without support.

Why is the role of psychologists in national teams underestimated in Russia, because specialists could help athletes cope with problems for which they are not ready?

- I have seen enough, despite my age: I won medals at international competitions, experienced the post-Olympic season, faced various injuries ...

can be listed for a long time.

And at all stages there was not enough psychological support.

We have people who deal with specialists, but in general, the system is not so powerfully built.

Unfortunately, yachting is not the most popular sport; all the money in the world does not flow here.

Perhaps that is why there are not so many psychologists.

It happens that teams involve someone to bring an athlete to the podium or Olympic gold.

But when you get to the top, everyone quickly forgets about you.

You have already realized, you have a name and title that are starting to work.

You are left alone, and you wander through life on your own, completely lost.

It seems to me that the athlete should not be forgotten after he was presented with the award.

On the contrary, you should help at the moment when questions arise in your head that were not there before winning the medal.

I still get goosebumps when I remember everything that happened in my head after the Games, during injuries and rehabilitation.

And athletes are treated like driven horses.

This is kind of normal.

However, I want help to be provided both after achievements and after the end of a career.

• Elfutina - on psychological support for athletes

- What kind of questions did you have?

- Immediately after achieving the result, devastation sets in. The medal is on your neck, but you do not have time to rejoice at it, there is a black hole inside. I don’t know why it’s like that, but many of those who achieved success at the Games experienced this. I spoke with some of them. I would not want to frighten anyone with the questions that have arisen in my mind, but I was simply scared. I lived alone in Rio: in my head, in notes, in magazines. And after the awarding she stood and did not understand anything. “I now have a medal. And what to do next?". It would seem that I am young, worked hard, received a well-deserved reward. Go rest calmly. But no, I couldn't, in my head the balls were rolling over the rollers. And the hardest part is that others could not understand. Therefore, I needed to find support, to realize that I was not alone. Then she began to communicate with people,who have already gone through similar periods and understood in which direction to move.

- How long did this inner loneliness last?

- It continues to this day.

Hope it ends someday.

Maybe I was too sensitive or naive, but what happened affected me greatly.

- Who helped to get out of this state?

- I would like to thank the people who were always with me, supported me in any situation, no matter what happened. They don't care how I performed, what kind of car I got and what kind of health problems I have. They have always helped me. But there were those who quickly changed their shoes. In general, it was quite interesting to know the opinion of myself after the Olympics. The coach, the guys from the team, parents, family and friends were always there. But the circle has narrowed. There were enough people who supported and congratulated, and then some events happened, and now on the fingers of two hands it was possible to count those who really stayed with me. And this also left a depressing impression. Nevertheless, I went through it and realized who will always be there. I was lucky that people from the world of sports were on my side. And, of course, a special thanks to the personal trainer, he always supported me,despite the circumstances.

- Is it possible to say that the tests that you faced helped you grow up faster?

- Yes, rose-colored glasses completely fell off.

For such a young age, this is a tremendous experience.

I feel more tempered compared to my peers.

It was necessary, and I'm glad it happened.

- To be specific, what exactly helped to rethink the bronze medal of the Games in Rio?

- Of course, I have become more discriminating in people.

I began to look at life in general differently, to set priorities differently.

If earlier sports were in the first place, now I am inclined to believe that it is wonderful and cool, but there is also life.

I constantly remind myself of this.

I definitely became withdrawn, closed.

And in a sense, I even overdid it, I need to get rid of it.

For example, this interview provides an opportunity to learn how to communicate with people again.

After all, sometimes I can not talk to anyone for weeks, only with my parents on the phone.

Now I feel that there is not enough live communication.

- How did your friends react to this silence?

- There weren't so many of them before the Games.

And they all understood that I needed this "wall" to protect me from people.

I always trusted my friends, shared my experiences with them, so they felt when I needed to be alone, and when, on the contrary, to speak out.

In this regard, we went through fire, water and copper pipes.

The most unpleasant thing for me was the realization that after the Olympics, people talk to you, not as a person, but with a medal holder, while for friends and family the latter does not really matter, they love you even without it.

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"Not everyone needs to be Olympic champions"

- What would you say to yourself before the Games in Rio, if there was such an opportunity now?

- Everything that happens is necessary for something, no matter how difficult it is.

If it happened now, then it must be so.

The main thing is to deal with the problem.

You throw your hands up to the sky and ask a lot of questions.

However, you just need to calm down, overcome all difficulties, and after a while you realize that there was nothing without it.

Courage and patience are needed.

- Did it surprise you that the bronze medal in Rio did not contribute to the popularity of sailing?

- It is difficult to answer unequivocally.

In general, recently people are becoming more and more interested in the subculture of surfing and stand-up surfing, they want to learn.

And windsurfing is close enough to these disciplines.

It is also a great pastime as there is always variety in sailing.

If you want to work alone - take a sail with a board, if you want to work as a team - a large yacht.

If you have children, bring them to study on small boats, they will no longer be able to stop.

The main thing is to start, but for some reason many are afraid of this.

- Is it all about money?

- Of course, this is not a cheap job. Even a beginner needs expensive equipment. In gymnastics or swimming, you bought your child a swimsuit and he went to study. Therefore, if our goal is development, then first we need to explain to people where to go, give them the opportunity to attend children's schools, which should have equipment. Now the children do not have it. After the Olympics, there was demand, but there was no infrastructure. It is necessary to develop it, although the problems do not end there.

I remember how I went to the first European team championship in Italy, and I was shocked when I saw that the children were brought from school to a windsurfing lesson, as to physical education.

Children and adults need to understand that this is not just an activity, not just a healthy lifestyle.

This is unrealistic math.

No wonder they say that sailing is chess on the water.

Therefore, it is necessary to popularize it from an early age, so that people do at least something, to gather enthusiasts who burn the sail and promote it.

And this is impossible without government support.

- Why not try to conduct a joint lesson with a media personality like Artyom Dziuba?

- If he agrees, then I am in favor with both hands.

By the way, I would like to say a few words about football.

It's super popular, but it has problems that other sports have.

When you win, everyone is with you, and when you lose, they take up arms.

After the World Cup our players were admired, and after the Euro they were mercilessly criticized.

It is clear that there may be questions for them, but you need to understand the root of the problem.

And those who are not on the football field are really just sofa experts who do not understand that football players are people too.

- What famous people would you like to train with?

- I have never had any idols.

I think that you do not need to create them for yourself, because we are all people, albeit some of a special type.

And it was always easier for me to communicate with professionals, because there is a feeling that you are on the same wavelength.

• Elfutina - about criticism of football players and surfing lesson with Dzyuba

- Does yachting need Eteri Tutberidze?

- Yes, Eteri is a crazy coach.

Everything she did, it seems to me, would be useful not only in sports, but in any other area.

She was able to lift such a lump as figure skating onto her fragile female shoulders and turn it over.

Such a person is necessary both in business and in public affairs.

Only a strong personality can change something, and she proved it by her example.

- Many people believe that such tough coaches as Tutberidze suppress and break athletes, because of which they subsequently experience problems.

Can this be avoided?

- Now everyone follows figure skating, and I'm no exception.

To be honest, two years ago I promised myself not to watch, because I see how difficult it is for many.

I went through it myself.

But now the vision has completely changed.

It seems to me that girls demand of themselves much more than any of the coaches, they become strong physically and emotionally.

I think, if the skaters are asked to limit themselves and not give all their best, they will not understand, since perfectionism is already embedded in them.

It is thanks to this that the result is achieved.

Professional sports are impossible without crazy stress and psychological breakdowns.

When giving children to sports, please think 1000 times why you are doing it - for the sake of health or Olympic gold.

It seems to me that not everyone needs to be Olympic champions, but we need to give an opportunity to those who want it.

- You are so convincing that it is time to wonder if you would like to open your own sailing school?

- Yes, without a doubt.

I would like to be able to promote and resolve some issues, important problems.

I agree to this by default.

- Have you already tried yourself as a coach?

- Sometimes I suggest something to kids or juniors, I correct their actions, if I myself am on the water, no more.

So far, I am far from full-fledged mentoring.

- How much does a lesson with a bronze medalist of the Olympics cost now?

- The windsurfing lesson is so irrelevant that it costs no more than the average.

I do not really understand the prices, but I suppose that an hour of class will cost 3 thousand rubles: 1.5 thousand - equipment, 1.5 thousand - instructor.

Am I ready to work for this money?

For me, it is more important who to teach, and not how much it will cost.

If a person just wants to practice, spending a minimum of money, then an ordinary instructor will do.

And if you delve into technique and tactics, then here I can already help.

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"I like the state of flight"

- Would you be interested in participating in a windsurfing show on television?

- Sure.

In general, I am interested in everything related to the popularization of windsurfing.

Because now my influence on its development comes down to the fact that I give interviews and say: "Please come to us, sailing is wonderful."

- How to get a newbie interested?

- It depends on who is teaching.

If it is interesting and good to explain, you can captivate both children and adults.

We always like what we do.

If a person realizes what he is doing, then soon he himself will want to continue.

- Would you like to connect your adult life with the sea?

- Sailing and windsurfing is a huge part of my life.

I spent all my childhood and adolescence in sports and I still do it.

Most of the numbers in my phone book are somehow connected with the sailing world.

Wherever I go, everywhere I can meet acquaintances and friends - they are scattered all over the globe.

I can no longer get out of this state, so I definitely can no longer live without the sea.

For psychological balance, I need a horizon line, I must see it, and preferably every day.

But life will not end on a sail if I want to go somewhere else.

The world as a whole is amazing, we are surrounded by a lot of interesting things.

- What exactly attracts you to windsurfing?

- It is unlikely that the climate, because I like coolness, as overheated in southern countries.

It's just that since childhood I liked to take a board and a sail, leave home at 10 am and return at 8 pm.

I loved the state of flight, because sometimes you really don't touch the surface of the water.

Then a moment comes when you no longer just feel, but control the elements.

You start to enjoy the way the wind blows, the sun shines, waves shimmer and everything that surrounds you at that moment.

And how not to pay attention to the landscapes of cities from the water.

Surprisingly, you become a part of nature.

• Elfutina - about love for Yeisk

- Where is your place of power?

— В Ейске. Там моя семья, знакомые, дом… Всё вокруг такое родное. Горжусь, что родилась в этом городе. На мой взгляд, Ейск — лучшее место в стране для обучения виндсёрфингу, потому что там не слишком жарко и круглый год дует ветер. Что ещё нужно, чтобы без стресса освоить доску и парус.

— А где бы вы хотели жить?

— На севере Испании. У меня там возникает ощущение, что я дома. Там, где мне и нужно быть.

— Какого качества вам сейчас не хватает?

— Спокойствия. Особенно в те моменты, когда думаешь, что всё просчитал и контролируешь, а жизнь преподносит сюрпризы. Кому понравится, если планы летят в трубу и им не суждено воплотиться.

— Как находите баланс между холодным расчётом и жгучими эмоциями?

— Я очень эмоциональный человек. Поэтому пытаюсь сдерживать себя, хотя это бывает непросто, особенно в спорте. Но я научилась справляться.

— Кем вы себя видите спустя 10 лет?

— Часто задаю себе этот вопрос сама и не нахожу ответа. Посмотрим, куда меня приведёт жизнь. Знаю точно, что любить парус не перестану, а в остальном буду там, где и должна быть.