YOG 2018 «The medalist responds». Natallia Varakina

The bronze medal holder of the III summer Youth Olympic games in Buenos Aires Natallia Varakina (wrestling) is sure that she could’ve reach higher results. She does not forget to be happy with her bronze medal though. In the heading «The medalist responds» Natasha tells how a few years ago she started sport accompanying her friend, and now she dreams of performing at the adult Olympics.

I started doing sport cheering up my friend. She was preparing for the first training session and asked me to be her support group. I agreed, dived into this and I liked it! The next day I came to practice. After I got involved.

I am the only sportsman in my family. No one in my family does sports or even watches it on TV.

My first coach Dmitri Gerasenkov has found something special in me. I suppose. He said that I am going to be a good sportsman. He noticed that I have the spirit, and if I want to make something happen, I will do this whatever it takes.

The coach taught me not to give up, to endure to the last second and to achieve all the goals. This is very important.

I would like to stick with sports for now, and then I will start coach career, or I will do something different.

The Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires is still in first place in my life. It does not happen often when you get the opportunity to perform at such a high level. Next I would like to perform at will be the adult Olympics.

It feels great winning this medal. Frankly speaking, it could have been nice to win silver or gold, but I am glad with my bronze medal too.

Our team in Buenos Aires was cool. I will always remember this atmosphere. We became good friends. I think the warm relationship between us will continue.

I do not have much free time. Usually I rest at home, or I spend my time with friends, going to cinema.

I study at Mogilev State School of Olympic reserve. This is my first year. I do not like subjects a lot. It is hard to reconcile sport and studies.

I have many sports idols. I really like the four-time Olympic champion from Japan Kaori Ite. She is retired from the sport for two years, but she is back now and practicing again. I think she will definitely perform in Tokyo 2020. I am also interested performances of Vasilisa Marzalyuk – she is cool.

Photo: NOC Belarus, Dzianis Kastsiuchenka, Anvar Iliasov