Mariya Stadnik: "Probably the saddest event in my career is this"

These days (two days ago), the legendary athlete, Azerbaijan's only 5-time participant in the Olympic Games, 4-time medalist, 2-time world and 10-time European champion, 2-time winner of the European Games and Islamic Solidarity Games, Mariya Stadnik, announced the end of her career. She has been appointed coordinator for women's wrestling at the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation. Sport24.az reports that the famous athlete was a guest of AZERTAC and answered questions of interest to sports fans. We present that interview: - You have officially said goodbye to big sports. When did you first think about this? - I started thinking about ending my career after the Olympic Games in Paris, maybe even earlier. I had obtained a license to participate in the Olympics, which was the last one for me. It was my last chance. I wanted to use all my chances to say goodbye to sports peacefully. I realized that I had done everything I could in sports. That's why after the Games in Paris, I thought it was time to finish and benefit wrestling in another role. - Sports fans thought that you would end your career after the Islamic Solidarity Games to be held in Saudi Arabia this year... - Yes, it could have been. But I also had my own plans. - You are considered one of the legends of world wrestling. When you chose to perform under the Azerbaijani flag, did you think that you would achieve great success? - In life, I have always believed and hoped that I would achieve maximum results. 17 years ago, with the support of Azerbaijan, which believed in me and my potential, we jointly achieved the results I have now. - Every athlete's dream is to become an Olympic champion. At the Olympics, you were supported not only by Azerbaijan and Ukraine, but also by other countries. Was the last step probably more difficult? - To be honest, I understood that it would be difficult to win a gold medal at the last Olympics. But I did not lose hope until the last moment and did everything I could to win it. But this is sports. It means it was not meant to be. - What moments in your sports career made you cry? - The defeat at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. But that was probably not a tear. It was the shock of losing a gold medal seconds before the end of the fight. Probably the saddest event in my career is this. The happiest moment was the final of the European Games in Baku. At that time, the whole hall supported me and we celebrated the victory together. - You have become an idol for many. Who is an athlete who can be an example for you? - You know, I have never had a specific idol in life. I have always tried to follow successful people, to take useful examples from them for myself. I have drawn conclusions that are useful to me and my work. That is, I cannot say that I have taken anyone as an example. - What goals has the federation management set for you in your new position? - After I finished my career, we were thinking about what role and position I could be more useful for wrestling and for the team in general. I am currently the coordinator for women's wrestling. That is, during the period until the next Olympics, I will monitor the work of coaches, the planning of all processes, or more precisely, the implementation of the plan. - Have you thought about becoming a coach? - No, I haven't thought about it. Because I think that if you want to do something, you have to stick to one thing. If I am in the hall, I will not be able to support other areas, for example, the development of women's wrestling in Azerbaijan. I decided that being in the federation is a more correct choice. In this case, a lot can be done for the development of women's wrestling. - What can you say about the development prospects of women's wrestling in Azerbaijan? - There is perspective. We have girls who are physically well prepared. It just needs a little direction. For example, it is necessary to teach them the methodology I trained with. In addition, psychological state and belief in one's own strength are needed. I think that some small changes can give good results. - What feelings did you experience when the Azerbaijani anthem was played while standing on the podium after the matches where you won a medal? - When the anthem is played, a person feels pride. Because you understand that the whole world is watching you. The anthem of the country you represent is playing and at this moment the whole of Azerbaijan is watching you. People are proud not only of me, but also of their country. Because our country was able to reach the highest peak. - You have participated in the last five Olympics. Which one do you consider more successful for our country? - Probably the Olympics held in London and Rio de Janeiro. Although we won a lot of medals in Rio, I consider the Olympics in London more successful. - You have two children. It is interesting, in which direction will you direct them? Do your children want to be athletes like you? - First of all, I want my children to be well-mannered people. They can choose the sport they want. I give them the right to free choice in this matter. That is, they should do what they like. But I try to instill in them some life principles that I have lived by myself. When my daughter was little, she liked to come to training with me. But not now. Now I can't bring them to the hall in any way. My son is engaged in boxing, and my daughter is engaged in dancing. They are not thinking about wrestling yet. I don't know why. Probably because their mother spends a lot of time in the hall. They don't have such desires now. Maybe their minds will change in the future.