WWC2017: final day brings gold for team Russia

Vladimir Maximov earned the first gold for the Russian team at the World Wushu Championships.

- You won the first gold in Kazan. How does it feel?

- Unfortunately, not everything went as we wished at this Championships for our team. We fought hard, but lacked a bit of luck. We will keep on working.

- Did you feel pressure as there were no gold medals yet?

- You always feel anxious, especially if the team doesn't do well. I was very nervous, but managed to pull myself together at last. I am very happy to have performed well and to win.

- What expectations did you have before the performance?

- I was aiming at the highest score. I made a mistake at the first event, and they cost a lot here. I dropped out of the medal hunt, but managed to show my max at the following event.

- What did the Russian team miss?

- We made a lot of mistakes we were not supposed to do. This is sport, everything can happen. Sometimes you're lucky, and the other day you are not.

- Were there any surprises at the Championships in Kazan?

- Many young competitiors performed this year in Kazan. Some of them got medals, there was even gold. The progress of the other countries was also apparent. They used to perform pretty decently, and now they're starting to catch up. They improved their speed and technics. I am pleased to see wushu moving forward. Competition is getting tough.

- What are you planning to do next?

- Some rest would be good. And to come home, I really miss my wife and my son. I'm going to Moscow next, and then back to my family to Ulan-Ude. I will take some break there. I haven't been home since August, as I was training for the World Championships. 

- Do you have a big family?

- I've got 2 kids.

- Do you plan to engage them in wushu as well?

- I want them to do sports, not necessarily wushu. It's up to them to choose.

- Has your family already congratulated you on the victory?

- Yes, my wife has called me, an my son as well.