Today, August 27, a holiday dedicated to one of the main national symbols of Russia is celebrated throughout our country – the state flag. Who, if not athletes, understands the whole meaning of the Russian tricolor. In each international start, they give 110% to get on the podium and see the flag raised to the sound of the anthem.
In an exclusive interview with Sochi Sport, the Sochi Olympic Games flag bearer, bobsledder Alexander Zubkov, recalled his emotions on the opening day of one of the greatest Games in history and spoke about the sacred meaning of the tricolor for athletes.
– Share how you were offered the role of flag bearer.
– The Olympic Committee has an address where all the leaders of the federations meet and present a candidate. After that, a vote is held and a worthy athlete is selected who will be able to carry the flag of his country at the Olympic Games.
– How was your preparation for the opening of the Olympic Games? Was there some kind of nervousness, was he crushed by responsibility?
– There was no final preparation for the removal of the banner, everything was done from one sheet. We had a very tight training program to prepare specifically for the performance at the Games themselves, it was announced and clear how everything would happen when the flag was raised, who was walking, how and at what distance. I think it is a great pride to carry the flag of your country with dignity. Not all athletes have that opportunity.
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– There is a belief that carrying your country’s flag at the inauguration is a failed performance in competitions, but you can’t say for sure based on your results at your home Olympics. Do you think you have become an exception to the rule, or does it all depend on the athlete’s initial preparation and attitude?
– Very good, the most important thing is a competent and fruitful preparation before the competition. The athlete has been preparing for the Olympic Games for four years, during which time he can really get into the necessary competitive shape and at the Games themselves show the level of his preparation and the ability of him to represent his country with dignity. .
– Tell us what the flag of your native country means at competitions for the athlete, as well as for you personally.
– The flag of the country is the pride that you represent. The flag is sacred. This is the honor of the homeland. When the flag is raised and the Russian anthem is played at the Olympics, it is very good, to be honest, you have to feel it, since it is impossible to convey it in words. One of the best sensations that an athlete will experience in his life. A real boom of emotions.
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– In recent years, Russian athletes have performed without a flag and anthem. How painful is it for you to see our athletes under a neutral flag and with a neutral status? How hard is it to perform without badges?
– Performance under a neutral state, without a flag and without an anthem – the decision of the leaders of the federations and the athletes themselves. The athletes themselves are responsible for how they will perform at the Olympic Games and in what state. Everyone makes their own choice, whether they agree to act in such conditions or not.
– If we are allowed to attend the Olympic Games in Paris, most likely Russian athletes will compete under a neutral state, without a flag. What do you think, is it worth going to the Olympics and competing in this case?
“I can only speak for myself. If I had been in that situation, I would have made the decision not to go to the Games. As for the athletes, they clearly understand that they have come a long way from preparing for the competitions. If they want to compete at the Olympics, then whether to go or not, and in what state, is your decision.
