Diver Novosyolov: I have a strong programme
The athlete delegations keep arriving in Kazan from all over the world. Yesterday, athletes started their intensive training on the threshold of the Universiade, including divers, who are now actively training in the Aquatics Palace.
Unlike synchronised swimmers, who are also training here in the next-door swimming pool at certain times, divers do not have a set training schedule. Athletes of all registered countries are training together: they learn from their own mistakes and look out for the rivals' advantages.
Russian champion Yevgeny Novosyolov believes that it is the best type of training. "This is how champions are raised: in the midst of a crowd, among others, next to the world's best divers. That's the training – it tests psychological readiness and adds powerful motivation. When Ilya Zakharov is diving next to you, you obviously try to dive better – it can't be otherwise," assures the athlete.
Yevgeny said that he didn't feel very nervous on the threshold of the World University Games. "We have a strong programme, all the neccessary conditions are in place so I am sure that we will be fine," says Yevgeny Novosyolov. However, Russia has strong rivals and there are quite many of them. From all the competitors, the Russian athlete singled out the Chinese team, who really stand out during training sessions. So fans cannot expect that victory will be easy.
Divers from Malaysia Jasmine Maibi and Tracy Vivienne Anak Tuket are taking part in the World University Games for the first time, but they are determined to show what they are capable of. "There are a many worthy rivals here, but we will try to do our best to win," assure the athletes.