Russian Olympians overall satisfied about practise in Madrid

This weekend the Russian team had a good practise in Madrid. A usual stepping stone, same like in 2012 when the Russian also collected a few gold medals. In their preparation to the Rio Olympic Games Russia took five gold medals, four of them from likely Olympians Irina Dolgova, Ksenia Chibisova, Renat Saidov and Olympic champion Tagir Khaibulaev.

The winner U100kg said to the EJU reporter: “Today was like a practice day for me before heading to Rio. My last bigger tournament was the Masters where I lost first round but besides that my last one was the Abu-Dhabi Grand Slam and since I didn’t compete due to an injury. My best moment today perhaps the fact that I didn’t lose but in terms of techniques for example I still have to work on quite a few things.”

Heavyweight Renat Saidov didn’t have easy fights while it wasn’t the top level expected at the Olympic Games: “I had a difficult day today because I didn’t compete for a long time due to different small injuries. This was my first competition back and I would say my performance was about at a medium level. Today was definitely a good practice ahead of the Olympic Games and maybe I will do one more competition before Rio.”

At 16-17 July the Grand Slam of Tyumen will be held, which is usually not the strongest event at the intermediate period between qualification and Olympics, but some athletes, and especially the Russians may want to test their status.

Ksenia Chibisova: “After the Masters in Guadalajara I was very tired and there I lost my first fight so I very much wanted to win a medal and to start winning tournaments again. Today I felt good, my judo was good and I was on a good form.”

Lightweight Irina Dolgova is, in good form, a potential medallist in Rio. She was happy to fight again. This year she only fight in Rome and at the Grand Prix in Tbilisi. "I wasn’t thinking much, I was just fighting. During my first fight I was stressed but I pulled it together in my head after the match and I continued. I am happy not only because I won but I am also satisfied with my performance."

Manager of the Team Ezio Gamba was in Madrid to see all athletes where he saw a disappointing Ivan Nifontov. The fact he was in Madrid may unveil he will be in the Olympic team like we always thought.