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Belarusian swimmer Ilya Shimanovich, winner of the World and European Championships, told in an interview with Sport why sports federations in his country is more loyal to a neutral status than in Russia, what emotions he experienced after returning to the world stage and why he was not lured to another country.
«Signed an agreement banning communication with the media»
— You are a regular participant in Russian championships. These competitions are now the main ones, where can you feel the competition?
— Everything is much simpler. We just don't have many starts. Of course, competition in Russia is high, but there is none in Belarus yet. Yes, there are guys who step on their heels, but nevertheless, I want a different level. In Russia there is a large bench of substitutes, where everyone is breathing down each other’s necks. We have few high-class athletes, there are promising juniors, but not all of them reach a high level. There is competition, but not strong enough.
— Besides Russia, did you skate anywhere else?
— I was in Budapest at the final stage of the World Cup. I and three other Belarusian swimmers were given the status of a neutral athlete. Finally, we left. Besides Hungary, it started only in Russia.
— Why did you decide to get neutral status?
— An offer was received from the Belarusian Swimming Federation to write to World Aquatics and ask for status. Literally three or four days later the request was approved and confirmation of participation at the World Cup stage was sent.
— What were the checks from World Aquatics?
— I signed an agreement that I have no right to communicate with the media, give comments at the World Cup stage and must wear a neutral uniform. It was a little strange with the uniform, because it was precisely this that made us stand out even more from others.
— What were your feelings when you got to the international start?
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— It was very cool, I again felt the level of international competitions. The first day I walked around with my mouth open, as if I had arrived for the first time. I felt like a little child. Everyone treated us positively, there was no negativity from the staff, judges, or participants.
— Was it a shame that the athletes were prohibited from communicating with the media? at international competitions?
— In fact, when you come out after a swim and they take you by the hand and lead you around the media, the feeling is a little strange. It was a little noticeable, but not scary. And the media themselves were surprised that we were forbidden to communicate with them. For a start, this is not bad, because the ice has broken. I am glad that I have a chance to compete on the international stage.
“There are few athletes and they suffer”
— How do they treat the neutral flag in Belarus? In some federations we are categorically against neutral status.
— I heard about it. In Belarus, this is a little simpler and the existing option suits us, because there are not so many athletes, and they suffer. When you go to an international start, everyone knows where you come from and who you are. Even by the name you can understand. We do not feel any discomfort in this regard.
— We went to the competition with a neutral flag at our own expense or with funding not deprived?
— We had everything paid for. It all depends on the federations, different federations create their own conditions.
— Are there significant differences between our approach to neutral status and attitude towards the IOC from the Belarusian approach?— Yes, the relationship is different. It’s also easier for us because none of our athletes serve in law enforcement agencies. If you go to serve, then you fully leave the national team and work only there. In general, our financing system differs from the Russian one. We receive a salary from the national team and do not have the right to receive funding from other sources.
— In Belarus, is there a negative attitude towards athletes who have changed their citizenship?
< br>— I didn’t ask this question, few of us changed. Everyone has their own opinion and everyone has the right to decide for themselves.
— Have you had a desire to change your sports citizenship?
— No, it was not. I am no longer the youngest athlete that some country would like to see. Firstly, it’s complicated with documents. Secondly, this is two years of quarantine, and I am already 29 years old. And which federation would want a 31-year-old athlete among its ranks? This is difficult, but I had no thoughts. I love my country, I stand for it, I was born and raised there.
— You said that you are no longer a young athlete. Looking to the future? Do you plan to finish it after the 2024 Olympics?
— No, I’m not guessing. I will swim as long as my health and my results allow me. I want to swim as long as I can.
— Are you planning to compete at the Olympics?
— I have a chance to get to the Olympics, but I want to compete at both the Friendship Games and the BRICS Games. If I get to the Olympics, I will swim these starts as if they were just passing.
— Because of the financial attractiveness?
— No, specifically for sports reasons point of view, to develop competitive speed, because there are not many starts.