Idman.biz
Anna Skidan, a famous Azerbaijani athlete and four-time Olympian, is experiencing an exciting and happy period in her life. The hammer thrower who represents Azerbaijan became a mother to a baby girl some time ago. Our athlete, who is enjoying the joy of motherhood, is also thinking about her career. The athlete sets new goals and thinks about the preparation process for the next season.
Anna Skidan gave an extensive interview to Idman.biz about all these points.
You became a mother in August of this year, and for the last month and a half, you have been experiencing the joy and excitement of having a daughter. I would like to ask how you and your baby are feeling...
-My daughter is fine, thank you. She is growing and developing. Unfortunately, we had to stay in intensive care for the first few days, but thank God everything is behind us now. I currently feel like a new mother. I am trying to understand how to manage my time and how to use it wisely.
-It is probably difficult to talk about any serious training process at this stage, so how do you stay in shape?
-Unfortunately, it is really difficult to talk about a fundamental training program because the birth did not go as planned. I was planning to give birth naturally, which would allow me to recover faster. But Arina decided otherwise: in the last month, the child moved in the womb. We hoped that she would return to the correct position, but a miracle did not happen. So, by the decision of the doctors, I had a cesarean section. As you understand, abdominal surgery does not allow me to lift heavy weights and get under the necessary tension. So, for now, I am recovering and preparing for next summer.
-You have been a winner of the Islamic Solidarity Games twice, and the next Games will be held in Riyadh in November. What are your expectations?
-Unfortunately, the competition will be held without me. In June, the national federation informed me that in order to qualify for the Islamic Games, I had to meet the standard from January to September. Even conditions were created for me to give the standard in Baku. But after the surgery, it is impossible to throw a four-kilogram hammer in a short period of time. After all, when rotating the tool, the centrifugal force can be more than 300 kg. Therefore, I could not compete in September. The federation appealed to the Organizing Committee of the Islamic Solidarity Games, citing my previous years as champion, to allow me to participate in the Games without participating in the qualifying competitions. Unfortunately, a refusal was received.
-You missed the competitions and the World Championship this year for obvious reasons. Do you miss participating in tournaments?
- I miss it, very much. I have not missed broadcasts of various competitions throughout the year. And of course, I watched reports from Tokyo during the World Championships.
- In general, what are the features of hammer throwing training? What do you pay attention to?
-Our sport is complexly coordinated, that is, the main attention is focused on technical and strength training. Many technical exercises are carried out outdoors in all seasons and in any weather conditions. This includes both long-distance throws and work with short and heavy hammers. In addition, training is carried out with adapted tools in the form of a disc tied with a short rope. Of course, basic strength exercises with a barbell also play an important role in training to increase strength.
-At the World Championship in Budapest two years ago, you set a national record by showing a result of 77.10 meters. Do you have plans to update this achievement?
Yes, I really hope so. After returning to professional sports, I will work seriously in this direction.
You already have experience participating in four Olympics. I guess Los Angeles is also in your plans?
Yes, it is. I really want to achieve the goal I set and I am grateful to God for still having this opportunity.
-In general, what goals have you set for yourself for the period leading up to the Olympics?
Before the Olympics, the European Championship will be held next year. In 2027, there will be a world championship a little before Los Angeles. And of course, I also have the next Summer Olympic Games in mind. My goal is to prepare in the best possible way for these three competitions and win a medal in each of them.
