In 2022, Igor Radivilov experienced probably one of the most challenging seasons in his career – his training was interrupted by the Russian invasion, he spent several months as a refugee in Germany, his native city Mariupol was heavily bombed and occupied by the Russian army, and his grandparents died during the bombings. He managed to persevere and won a bronze on vault at the World Championships but throughout the year, he was not sure he’d keep going:
“The year 2022 was very hard for me, in all aspects. Regarding the sport, I managed to have good results. In the beginning of the year, my coach and I had one task – to try and get back to the high level I was at previously. It was very difficult mentally after Tokyo. I was a favorite and made such an unfortunate mistake. In the end, I didn’t make the final.”
“Honestly, it was hard for me to go through. I even thought about retiring. But still, my desire, my dream and perseverance fought these thoughts off. My coach and I drew our conclusions and started again, from scratch, so to say. And we believe that everything will work out. This belief and the support of my loved ones are my main source of strength.”
Radivilov says it was both extremely hard to continue training but, at the same time, it helped him to deal with the death of his grandparents:
“It was very hard to work. We were very worried, we couldn’t sleep, waiting for some news. It was very hard mentally. But I had to get myself together, I had to, and this thought was constantly with me. This is my job. Gymnastics is my life. To stop [training] would only be worse for me. Gymnastics is art. I can get distracted, at least for a moment, in practices.”
Some of his family members and friends survived the bombings and are still in Mariupol, while others managed to flee:
“My relatives stayed in Mariupol. My parents live in Kyiv. A couple of my friends stayed there, but they’re ok. The rest all fled, same as my first coach Vyacheslav Kiselyov and his family. Unfortunately, he lost his home and car. Everything was bombed. Nevertheless, he continues working as a gymnastics coach now, although in a different country.”
The invasion destroyed multiple sports facilities across Ukraine including several gymnastics facilities. Radivilov’s first gym, which was being renovated at the time, was destroyed as well:
“The gym that was being renovated in Mariupol got bombed. That was the gym where I started my journey. Unfortunately, I won’t get to see it with new equipment. German specialists were working on its renovation. And now no one can say what will happen.”
Radivilov says gymnasts from other countries express support and admiration for the Ukrainians:
“Foreign athletes, in general, come up to us and show support and sympathy. Some admire us for finding strength to compete, train, and represent Ukraine during such times.”
The Ukrainian national team was severely affected by war with several gymnasts retiring and others experiencing training interruptions or having to flee Ukraine. Radivilov doesn’t know what this year will bring but hopes he will continue enjoying gymnastics:
“It’s hard to say what will happen in 2023. We have a young team now. The most important thing is for everyone to stay healthy and motivated. It’s hard to say what [medal] chances I have. I just do what I love. After Tokyo, the rules changes a bit, but not significantly, there were no major changes. My goals for 2023? To enjoy what I do.”
