Tiraspol, October, 6. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. The Pridnestrovian athletes had a voyage in September. It was the first international trip since the start of the pandemic. Results showed that our guys had set the right course.
First, it was Turkey. There was held the Balkan Countries Competition among athletes under the age of 20. We have got two medals at the Junior Balkaniada. Julianna Dabizha took silver in the triple jump. Yana Garayeva won bronze in the 400 meter hurdles.
Secondly, it was Romania. This was already the Championship of the Balkan Countries and an "adult" performance. Two of our athletes won twin bronze medals in the 4*100 meter relay. Tatiana Kontrebuts and Anastasia Senkiv ran as part of Moldavian national team.
Balkaniada is one of the favorite forums for our athletes. Will it be a warm-up before the European and World Championships or another chance for selection depended on the athlete`s status. It had always been like that, but not now. In the era of a pandemic, the Balkan Competition is a break through the boundaries of consciousness, countries and COVID for every participant. Anastasia Senkiv, the winner of the competition from Bendery, shared her impressions of the Balkan Championship.
About Accommodation Conditions
“The road trip to Romania was very hard. We had to stay at the customs for too long. Instead of 12 hours, it took a whole day. On the plus side, we settled in a five-star hotel. It was not the first time that I went to Balkaniada, but there had never been conditions like that.”
About the Situation in Athletics
“Speaking of luxury, it is the competition itself in the current conditions. The situation all over the world is so complicated. Few people manage to go somewhere. And straightaway, it`s Balkaniada. It`s like a whiff of fresh air for us athletes."
About Balkaniada
“On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give 8 to the Balkan Countries Championship. Given the current COVID situation. There are really strong participants in the list. There are Olympians in almost every type of program. The contest is serious."
About the Stars
“There is always someone interesting in such starts. This time we met Robert Emmian. He is a Soviet and Armenian athlete, European champion and record holder on long jump. Honored Master of Sports of the USSR. President of the Athletics Federation of Armenia. We even took a picture with him (laughs).”
About Her "Triple"
“For me this is the most successful season in recent years. I succeeded in the Championship of Pridnestrovie, then Moldavia. And now it`s Balkaniada. The world champions competed with me in the triple jump. Earlier, I saw them as unattainable stars. The difference with them was in the range of 15 cm. My result is 13 m 26 cm. This is even higher than the master of sports. You can even get to the Olympics at this rate. I believe that, and I will do my best!"
