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“The coach and I were like two homeless people, although we achieved results”

Why the 2015 World Universiade medalist in cross-country skiing Valery Gontar is leaving his native Mordovia.

Mordovia very actively invests a lot of money in visiting athletes, but, unfortunately, forgets about local students. As a result, home-grown guys are forced to end their careers or find employment in other regions. This happened with the winner of the 2015 World Universiade in cross-country skiing Valery Gontar. The 22-year-old ward of KSSHOR RM (former SHVSM RM) glorified the republic in the Russian and international arena, but his successes were not appreciated. Therefore, he parted ways with Region-13 and entered into a contract with the Samara region. Soon coach Vasily Velkin will follow his ward. Details are in the material by Evgeny Naumov.

Valery Gontar was born in the village of Shuvary, Staroshaigovsky district. At the age of six he was left without a mother, then he lost his father and was brought up in the Ruzaevsky orphanage. He became interested in skiing in the second grade, his first coach was Evgeniy Nastyunin.

Compared to other athletes, Gontar stands out for his incredible endurance and generally high potential. This was shown at the 27th World Universiade in Slovakia, where the skier won a bronze medal in the men's 10-kilometer race in the classical style. He also repeatedly conquered prize podiums at representative all-Russian competitions. He glorified Mordovia and the ShVSM RM itself, but the republic, to put it mildly, underestimated his successes. Although Valery Gontar is the only local skier who shows decent results and is “knocking” on the Russian team. Other potential collections Artem Maltsev, Anastasia Sedova, Raul Shakirzyanov are not natives of Mordovia. Maltsev and Sedova from the Nizhny Novgorod region, Shakirzyanov from Perm. They represent region 13 only in parallel competition. Everything is fine with them: both here and there they receive salaries. There are no problems with fees either, KSSHOR will definitely support you. But Gontar does not have such opportunities. Mordovia was obliged to do everything so that the athlete realizes his potential one hundred percent, but this did not happen.

“S”: Valery, what made you interrupt cooperation with your native Mordovia and conclude an agreement with another region?

The republican KSSHOR paid very little wages and created poor conditions for studying, so I decided to leave. Starting from the new season I will compete for the Samara region. A few days ago I signed a contract and on July 10 I will go to the first preparatory training camp. On-site training sessions had to be postponed to a later date, since I defended my diploma at Penza University and entered the master's program. Initially, all my plans were connected exclusively with Mordovia; I really wanted to glorify my native republic, but I was not allowed to realize it here. And in Samara they know about the situation in Mordovia, so they offered their services. Without thinking twice, I agreed. And I say goodbye to Mordovia. And, despite all the problems, I still thank KSSHOR for its cooperation. Moreover, I’m taking my mentor Vasily Velkin with me to Samara. As soon as he resigns, he will immediately formalize an agreement with the Samara region. I intend to walk through life together with this coach. Vasily Ivanovich is a real authority for me.

“S”: How did the head coach of KSSHOR RM cross-country skiing Nikolai Sedov, a native of the Nizhny Novgorod region, react to your decision?

Previously, I studied directly in the group of Nikolai Sedov and Oleg Adanichkin. But I didn’t have a good relationship with them. These people seemed to me not sincere enough, I did not feel support from them. Sedov, it seems to me, works, first of all, for the sake of his own children, especially Nastya. He deals with the others along the way. Perhaps this is normal; any father will pay more attention to his own children. But I wasn’t happy with this arrangement, so I went to Vasily Ivanovich Velkin. This is the second year I have been studying under his guidance. We have complete mutual understanding with him, he puts his soul into it, does everything possible to raise me to be a high-level athlete. True, there is no support from the republic and the direct leadership of KSSHOR in this regard. The group of Sedov and Adanichkin is financed normally, but we were given pennies. I do not rule out that the above-mentioned specialists also played their role and tried in every possible way to put a spoke in our wheels. We were not given any money at all to conduct training camps. Director of KSSHOR Mikhail Khramov said: use your funds, and then we will compensate you. Vasily Ivanovich spent his pension savings, and now he cannot repay his debts. Day after day they feed him with promises - tomorrow, the day after tomorrow... But he urgently needs to quit and sign a contract with Samara.

“S”: Did the Republic offer you to improve the terms of the existing contract?

On the contrary, they even tried to harm me. They took away all the equipment in which I represented the republic. Although in fact they had no right, since I had been performing in it for more than two years. By law, the equipment must become my property. But they demanded that I return it. Perhaps they thought that after such an ultimatum I would be forced to stay. So they said: “If you don’t hand over your equipment, we won’t sign the documents.” I gave everything and left. Because I was not going to exist any longer on the 13 thousand rubles that KSSHOR RM paid me. On construction sites, people earn 35 thousand, but I have to endure heavy loads, show results and still get paid a pittance. Moreover, they paid with delays.

“S”: Although last year you became a prize-winner at the World Universiade and are one of the leading skiers in the republic. Moreover, a local student...

After the Universiade, my salary was raised to 30 thousand. But this amount was paid only for three months, and then was reduced to seventeen. After some time, they completely reduced it to 13 thousand. Prices are rising and my salary is falling. I spent half of the money on utilities. There wasn't enough money, so I even had to sell my car. As a result, I made a fateful decision. It's a shame, of course, that you are not appreciated. Although I always strived for maximum results and last season I competed at all-Russian competitions for high places. I couldn’t qualify for the world championship because KSSHOR didn’t organize the necessary training camps for me. The opponents trained in the mountains, so they were in very good condition. But I just didn’t have enough of this preparation. Therefore, I took only fifth place at the Russian Championship. Perhaps the leadership of KSSHOR does not need victories. You make every effort, but they consider it a trifle.

“S”: Will conditions be better in Samara than in Saransk?

Undoubtedly. Firstly, the attitude towards people there is completely different. And for me this is especially important. This year, Samara residents already wanted to pay some fees, but we refused because we were not sure that our transition would take place. They did not run ahead of the locomotive. Now I will represent the Samara Regional Sports Training Center (TSSP), and I should also be employed by Gazprom. True, the last issue is still being resolved. There are very good skiers in Samara, including two international-level masters. But I will study under the guidance of Vasily Velkin.

Last year, Samara sent 30 people to the training camp, many of whom were not physically and mentally ready to achieve significant results. And in Mordovia, leading skiers cannot be provided with the necessary training. There is no money - that's the whole explanation.

“S”: Did you discuss the issues of off-season training with representatives of the Samara Central Training Center?

Certainly. Samara suggested that Vasily Velkin draw up a training plan, and the necessary funds were allocated for it. Now we are eagerly waiting for the KSSHOR to calculate and release Vasily Ivanovich. Last year, Samara sent 30 people to the training camp, many of whom were not physically and mentally ready to achieve significant results. And in Mordovia, leading skiers cannot be provided with the necessary training. There is no money - that's the whole explanation.

“S”: In October you will turn 23 years old, which means that in the upcoming season you will compete at the adult level.

I've already had to compete with adults. In Khakassia, where top skiers competed, I took 10th and 11th places. But, unlike them, I did almost all the preparation at home. I went to Izhevsk a couple of times, that’s all my preparations. And the rivals prepared very seriously: they were in the mountains and in other places. That's why they surpassed me.

“S”: Pharmacology at KSSHOR RM stood out to you? Of course, approved drugs.

I never saw her and never accepted her. They didn’t give me any money for the fees, they didn’t pay my salary for two months, and you’re talking about some kind of drugs. Vasily Ivanovich and I were like two homeless people, although we achieved results.

“S”: Will you represent Mordovia in the parallel competition?

No. I followed the principle and refused parallel tests. Although they offered it to me. Like, we invested money in you, and you are leaving for another region. I answered like this: “I gave you everything I could a long time ago. So now we're even. You can’t hold me back by force, I’ll leave anyway.” Honestly, I don’t want to deal with Mordovia anymore, and I’ve had enough of it. I waited for a long time for everything to get better, but my hopes were not justified.

“S”: What goals do you set for yourself in the upcoming season?

At the end of January the next world Universiade starts in Almaty, I would like to go there. Now I have a lot of experience, I can perform better than in the winter of 2015 in Slovakia, when I won bronze in the 10 km classic race. In general, we are now placing our bets on the Universiade. However, other starts are no less important; at the Russian Championships you want to run normally. Let's go through the preparatory cycle, after which we will draw certain conclusions.

“S”: Are you training now?

Certainly. I started working in April. If you don’t study, it will turn out like in Krylov’s fable about the dragonfly that “sang red summer.” This is a very relevant work for us. So now I'm trying to keep myself in shape. It’s bad that we don’t have a roller ski track in Ruzaevka. Therefore, you have to drive on a regular road.

In Kazakh Almaty, at the Alatau ski stadium, Mordovian athlete Valery Gontar performed extremely successfully. The first success at the World Universiade competitions came to the pupil of the Ruzaevsky orphanage on January 30 - victory in the individual 10-kilometer race in the classical style.

The next day, in the pursuit race, Gontar finished second, behind his compatriot Dmitry Rostovtsev. In the men's relay race, the main competitor of Rostovtsev was already our Valery's partner. Gontar ran the second stage, and the Pskovite ran the fourth. Egor Berezin and Kirill Vichuzhanin also made a general contribution to the victory. “Silver” went to the Kazakhstan team, “bronze” to the Czechs. On Wednesday, February 8, Gontar will have a chance to win his fourth medal in the mass start. We sincerely wish success to the promising Mordovian athlete, who has repeatedly proven that he is capable of storming the steepest international heights!

XXVIII WORLD WINTER UNIVERSIAD

Ski race. 10 km (classic). 1. Valery Gontar (Russia) - 25:12.0. 2. Dmitry Rostovtsev (Russia) - 25:20.9. 3. Alexandre Pouet (France) - 25:33.8. 4. Sergey Mikaelyan (Armenia) - 25:49.4. 5. Vitaly Pukhkalo (Kazakhstan) - 25:56.1. 6. Miroslav Rypl (Czech Republic) - 25:56.2. 7. Kirill Vichuzhanin (Russia) - 26:13.5… 10. Egor Berezin (Russia) - 26:27.5… 18. Roman Tarasov (Russia) - 26:58.6… 27. Yuri Gavrilov (Russia) - 27: 28.4.

Pursuit. 10 km (free style). 1. Dmitry Rostovtsev (Russia) - 26:12.5. 2. Valery Gontar (Russia) - 26:27.2. 3. Sergey Mikaelyan (Armenia) - 27:04.5. 4. Vitaly Pukhkalo (Kazakhstan) - 27:16.6. 5. Alexandre Pouet (France) - 27:27.5. 6. Naoto Baba (Japan) - 27:34.4... 12. Egor Berezin (Russia) - 28:16.9.

Men. Relay race 4 x 7.5 km. 1. Russia (Egor Berezin, Valery Gontar, Kirill Vichuzhanin, Dmitry Rostovtsev) - 1:12.49. 2. Kazakhstan - 1:12.51. 3. Czech Republic - 1:14.51. 4. Japan - 1:14.52. 5. Belarus - 1:15.52. 6. Ukraine - 1:16.11. 7. Germany - 1:17.44. 8. Switzerland - 1:18.55. 9. Poland - 1:19.22. 10. Norway - 1:20.35.

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Our fellow countrywoman, who is studying in Paris, talks about the tragedy that befell France with the fire in the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral

"Nantes" (France) - "Dynamo" (Moscow, USSR) - 2:3 Cup Winners' Cup. 1/4 finals. 2nd match. March 19, 1980. Nantes. 20:30. Stud Marcel Sapin. Rain. 12 degrees. 25,000 spectators. Judges: Charles Korver (Holland). "Nantes": Jean-Paul Bertrand-Deman, Maxime Bossy, Thierry Tussaud, Patrice Rio, Enzo Hector TROSSERO (Arg), Bruno Baroncelli, Oscar Victor TROSSERO (Arg) (José Touré, 58), Henri Michel (c), Eric Pecoux, Oscar MULLER (Arg), Gilles Rampillon. Subs: Dominique Leclerc, William Ayache, Loic Amiss, Michel Bibar. Head coach - Jean Vincent. Dynamo (Moscow): Vladimir Pilguy (c), Evgeny Lovchev, Sergey Nikulin, Alexander Makhovikov, Alexander Bubnov, Alexey Petrushin, Nikolay Kolesov, Alexander Minaev, Alexander Novikov (Andrey Yakubik, 88), Alexander Maksimenkov, Valery Gazzaev. Substitutes: Nikolay Gontar, Nikolay Latysh, Vadim Pavlenko, Yuriy Reznik. Head coach - Evgeniy Goryansky. Goals: 0:1 Minaev (23), 0:2 Gazzaev (40), 1:2 Michel (42), 2:2 Toure (64), 2:3 Kolesov (85). FORTUNELY, the match in Nantes provided answers, if not to all, then to many questions regarding Dynamo’s preparation. And first of all, the words of the coach were confirmed that with skillful distribution of forces, compliance with game discipline and unexpected tactical changes during the match, Dynamo players can play much more interesting and confidently. The first match with Nantes allowed us to get to know the French football players better. A detailed analysis of mistakes based on video recordings and a successful game against the Minsk team also benefited the team. The trainers at the installation strictly warned the players that under no circumstances should players such as V. Trossereau, Michel, Pecou and Rampillon be allowed to freely handle the ball. As subsequent events showed. The French, faced with the competent play of the Soviet team, were unable to provide their three strikers (they played in attack in the same way as in Tbilisi), and from here their three-echelon tactical formation did not look impressive. Perhaps only team captain Michel noticeably improved in his attempts to strengthen Nantes' attack, but his partners Baroncelli and Muller looked pale, unable to establish interaction with the attackers and the captain throughout the match. The uncertainty of the two midfielders was transmitted to the French forwards. Their attacking maneuvers were slowed down and disrupted by inaccurate passes. And now we can see how the Soviet football players, clearly fulfilling the key task of their tactical plan - to disrupt the interactions between the lines of attack and the middle of the Nantes field, achieve their goal. Bubnov and Petrushin are acting more and more confidently, managing to insure defenders Makhovikov and Lovchev, who are making daring forays along the flanks. Dispatcher Maksimenkov worked without interruption, and with well-calibrated passes he added harmony to Dynamo’s entire game. Minutes passed. I felt that a goal against Nantes was brewing. This feeling was reinforced by impressions. Interchangeability in lines and units, transferring the ball from flank to flank, shots on goal without preparation, emphasized teamwork - all this led to two goals against Nantes. There were only a few minutes left before the end of the half. How great it would be to go into the break with a two-goal lead! As soon as I thought about this, the tireless captain Michel managed to get one goal back. His powerful shot from 20-22 meters hit the top corner of the goal. Football truly loves strong, brave, self-confident people. How many times in the first half did Michel hit our goal from afar, mindful of the wet field and slippery ball! Another in his place, seeing the futility of attempts, would have abandoned this thankless task. And Michel continued to take aim and achieved success just when his team literally began to crumble in front of a disgruntled public. As subsequent events showed, this was the most useful goal in the match. Now, in the second half, Dynamo had to not only not miss a single goal, but also be sure to score. And if they coped with the second task (Kolesov’s goal), then they were unable to protect their goal from Toure’s strike. The first goal against the French. Valery Gazzaev delivers a cross into the Nantes penalty area and Minaev takes the lead.