Oleg Verniaiev is our current World P Bar champion. One of the main challengers for the AA podium in Rio. Ukraine’s problems are too numerous to list. We’re hoping he can continue to train well there though to the Olympics.
Q. Who’s had the most influence on your achievements?
A. Probably my current coach [Gennadiy Sartinskiy]. He’s helped me prepare for competitions so that I don’t travel abroad as a “tourist” as he calls it.
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Q. What’s the situation with the national training facilities in Ukraine?
A. Nothing’s changed. Everything’s the same as it was at least 10 years ago. It sucks. The equipment is outdated, and the medicines, pharmacies, and rehab centers are in bad condition. We train in a dangerous environment, which is why we have a lot of injuries. It shows in our results as well. Just look at teams like China, Japan, and the United States. We’re still training in the last century.
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Q. Would you like to be a coach in the future?
A. No, probably not. I think being a coach is a thankless job. I thought about it, but you need to have nerves of steel. It’s commonly believed that great athletes don’t make great coaches.
Q. Are champions born or made?
A. Made. The greatest gift an athlete can have is the ability to work hard. Work your hardest and you’ll see results. You can look great in training, but everything changes once you’re in the competition hall in front of an audience. Nerves can get the best of you. But you can overcome them if you work at it.
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