Angelina Melnikova was interviewed by PeopleTalk shortly before the New Year. She talked about the past year and her hopes for 2022.
2021 in three words:
“Successful, eventful, productive.”
Dreams come true if…
“You work hard.”
On the past year:
“2021 became the most successful year in my career and, I think, it was eventful and productive for all athletes, first of all, because the Olympic Games took place after all. I think our national team had really good results. The most unexpected thing for me was that after the Olympics, I went to the World Championships and won gold there. I didn’t plan to participate at this competition at all, so I was pleasantly surprised with my results. Everything happened so fast that I didn’t event understand what happened.”
“The half a year before the Olympic Games turned out to be incredibly difficult. We were under a lockdown and couldn’t have our usual training routine. We couldn’t meet with anyone, we trained off and on. It was a very stressful time. The only thing I regret in 2021 is the time spent on lockdowns.”
On New Year traditions and making wishes:
“I’m a dreamer and a believer in fairytales, so for me, the New Year is the time of miracles. I always try to create a magical atmosphere at home and sincerely believe in miracles. By the way, I have my own anti-tradition – I don’t make New Year resolutions, don’t write notes [with wishes], and don’t make wishes, when the clock strikes midnight, I just strive for change internally. For example, this year, over 70% of what I planned came true.”
On her plans for 2022:
“Among my priorities for 2022 is my personal project which I very much want to accomplish, but I’ll talk about it a bit later. And, of course, recovery and training for Paris. But, generally, my goal after all the titles I’ve won is just to enjoy the sport and not to chase after anything. Before, there was fighting for medals and titles, and now I want to have fun. Of course, there is a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. No one wants to fall down. I will just try to stay at the level that was set and we’ll see what happens.”
