European champion 2002 in high jump and new member of the presidium of the All-Russian Federation athletics Marina Kuptsova shared her view on how to effectively fight doping and still send our team to Olympic Games in Rio.
Kuptsova first raised the topic of doping in Russian athletics in the early 2000s, when talking about it was considered unfashionable and even indecent. In Vasily Parnyakov’s documentary, the jumper admitted: the team gave her the nickname “albino” for her principled position - victory, but not at any cost. The peak of Kuptsova’s career was second place at the 2003 World Championships in Paris, and a year earlier, victory at the European Indoor Championships. This was followed by a series of injuries, after which Marina returned for two years, but ended her career in 2008.
For several years now she has been heading one of the Moscow sports schools. And after the report of the WADA Independent Commission and the imposition of sanctions on Russian athletes, Kuptsova became one of the members of the new ARAF presidium. If you look at reputation, more the right person in the current situation it was difficult to find.
"I FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TEAM TO GO TO RIO"
You are not offended: you spoke about doping in Russian athletics on television ten years ago, but then it did not create much resonance. Now the film ARD has become a sensation, collecting several international awards...
Now the situation in the world is such that it was said. The Sochi Olympics were a great success, Russia became so strong that they apparently decided to slow down our series of victories a little. Although it was a pleasant surprise for me that the film “Albino” was also awarded the title of laureate of the Atlant sports film competition.
- Why did you start talking about doping ten years ago?
In life, I am a person who is only for clean sports. I never needed unfair victories, and I didn’t even allow the thought that victories for me could be somehow different. Moreover, even after finishing my career, I am guided by the same principles, this is my credo. I proved by my example that it is possible to prepare and win fairly.
-Have you ever thought about performing differently?
I came to athletics very late - at 15 years old, at this age many other sports are already planning to retire. Although before that I studied in other sports sections, And physical training was on high level. My dad trained me, and we always relied on two factors - my natural abilities and his discoveries in training process. He was always interested in new products, constantly learning and analyzing something. Even then, ten years ago, we used computer technology to select individual jumping techniques. Can you imagine how many similar new products have appeared now, with the modern level of technology development! Of course, it is unrealistic to fight all this using Soviet methods alone. So some people have thoughts about how and what they can do to help themselves. Therefore, in my opinion, one of the main directions for today is the training and continuous improvement of trainers.
Do you think it’s realistic to train mentors who have worked all their lives according to certain principles to suddenly use a computer and radically change their work?
I understand what you mean: we have coaches of retirement age who have difficulty even using a mobile phone. Although now there are a lot of programs for advanced training, and if a person wants to learn, it is never too late. In any case, experienced people have something to pass on to the next generation, and it must develop and increase this knowledge. As a rule, it turns out like this: the coach begins to work with the child, with certain abilities, bringing him to the level of a master of sports. Usually this level is reached at the age of 16. But then there is often a lack of understanding of what to do next, hence the thoughts about drugs that supposedly can help. At this stage, the athlete must move on to a more professional coach who specializes in training athletes of the highest level of skill.
In your opinion, how realistic are the accusations that the WADA commission brought against us? Does everyone really use doping in Russian athletics?
No, of course, not everyone uses it. My position, as in Russian fairy tales, is that good must defeat evil. An athlete spends half his life, sacrificing almost everything, to win some major competition. And now he has to lose this chance, why? Imagine: 20 years of grueling training, and then you are told without explanation that everything is in vain. I feel responsible to ensure that the work of our athletes is not lost in this way. I will fight with all my might for a fair outcome so that our team can go to Rio. "THE HARDEST THING IS NOT TO DO ANYTHING"
- When you performed, were only Russians suspected of doping, or not?
Of course not. To be honest, I wouldn’t mind if they rechecked some of the samples from my performances. It happened that I took second place at major world-class competitions. This is the most annoying thing, victory is just a stone's throw away. And so they handed me a notification about doping control, I was heading to this room. I usually sat there for a very long time, five to six hours, since before the start everyone limits themselves in food and drink. And so I sit there and see that foreign rivals are simply passing by. Of course, it was a shame and the question arose where they all went. At the same time, I was always sure that my purity was my advantage and strength, no matter what anyone said.
- How is that?
When you enter competitions with a clear conscience and are not afraid that you are about to be caught, this is a huge plus. In this state, practically no negative factors can affect the performance. No unnecessary stress, no unnecessary thoughts. I can’t imagine how you can perform otherwise.
Have you seen the jumps of the new world champion Maria Kuchina? Her coach Gennady Gabrilyan, like your father, is also a fan of various training innovations.
I saw Masha perform at the World Championships in Beijing. I noticed that she has a very stable movement, high intermediate level jump. She takes everything from the first attempts, plus from start to start there are practically no differences in results of many centimeters, like others. This indicates a very high level of the trainer and organization of training.
Maybe Kuchina and our other stars should hold seminars on how to win without using prohibited means and methods?
You see, direct borrowing does not work in big sports. Each athlete needs an individual approach and individual preparation; no two people are the same. If I chaotically do everything in training that I spy on someone, without understanding why I need it, then there is a possibility that I simply will not be able to withstand such a load, and everything will be pointless. The point is to do only what is really necessary. The body's resources are limited, they must be protected, and if I do some work, then I must clearly understand what result I am striving for. The most difficult thing is not to withstand a huge load, but, on the contrary, not to do too much. Some of our athletes, unfortunately, don’t delve into it at all: the coach said it, they did it. If a person does not have an education and does not understand how his own body works, and what exactly he should achieve at the next stage of preparation, then the question arises: how does he train?
Do you believe in the purity of the stars of modern world athletics? For example, did Usain Bolt, in your opinion, set his world records honestly?
You see, it cannot be denied that there were and are unique people, only a few on the entire planet. People like Bolt, like Lena Isinbaeva, for example. They had a successful sporting destiny, and it was fortunate that they ended up in exactly that profession, that sport, that type of athletics, where they have an advantage over everyone else. The same Bolt would have been an ordinary thrower or jumper, and Lena could have remained in gymnastics... This is the task of a coach, a selector - to help a person find the best area of application of his talent.
- You and Isinbayeva are close friends. Did they dissuade her from returning to sports after the birth of her daughter?
I had no right to advise, because only Lena can decide. We have been friends for many years; we met in 1998 at the World youth games ah in Moscow, when no one had heard of us yet. Then they pursued their sports careers, one might say, in parallel. I think the current situation with sanctions will even help Lena to better tune in. I wish her new great victories!
"CHARACTER BEATS NATURAL TALENT"
- Are you currently coaching, or are you focusing on leadership work?
I try to find talent, we look for talented children, we even go to schools. But this is difficult, since often a strong character makes up for the lack of natural talent. But it happens the other way around, a colossal natural talent without character... It seems that there is nothing special in the child, but after a couple of years the person becomes a leader, due to the strength of character, the will to win. So it usually takes two to three years to understand whether a child has the makings of a promising athlete.
You were recently elected for the first time as a member of the ARAF Presidium. Why did this happen only now, since you have been working as a functionary at the Moscow level for a long time?
I ended my career ten years ago, but I didn’t change my field of activity, I remained in the sports industry. It was nice, of course, that Moscow nominated me for the presidium. True, it was not possible to rejoice fully, since it did not happen at the most better times for our athletics, which gives me a special responsibility.
Do you see real leverage for yourself on how to influence the situation? Will the new presidium be able to cope with this task?
I think yes. The composition of the presidium is quite strong. Each of us is an individual with his own experience, with his own opinion. Although the decisions, of course, will be collective. The most important thing is that we have a common goal.
- What do you know about the new president of ARAF Dmitry Shlyakhtin?
I heard a lot about Dmitry Shlyakhtin, but I never had the opportunity to work together. I hope the upcoming joint activities will be productive and lead to the desired result. I think that fresh forces are always more effective than those who have worked in this field for many years and have established stereotyped views and positions. Even in any organization, new trends come with new employees. We have one goal - to restore the reputation of Russian athletics, starting with the performance of our team in Rio.
- Judging by the way the situation is developing, does the fulfillment of this goal seem realistic to you?
Russia is a huge country, it has a lot of talent and rich human resources. As long as there are athletes and coaches who are ready to perform according to the rules of fair sports, everything is possible.
Famous track and field athlete, European indoor champion Marina Kuptsova has been appointed to the position of deputy head of the Central sports club Army by sports work. After her appointment, Marina Gennadievna answered questions from the CSKA press center.
- Marina Gennadievna, tell us what prompted you to come to CSKA?
- My whole life is connected with the Army Club sports career. I trained at the CSKA Indoor Athletics and Football Complex on Leningradsky Prospekt, where my older sister had previously practiced discus throwing. And before that, our mother trained with the first Soviet Olympic champion, representative of the Army Club Nina Ponomareva. Now I am ready to help my native club with my experience and knowledge in matters sports training.
You headed a sports school for five years Olympic reserve No. 44 Moskomsport. Don't you feel sorry to leave your brainchild?
- It's a shame. I headed one of the largest sports schools in Moscow, where I gained enormous experience. Much more could be done. I'm proud of the work I've done. The entire team with whom I worked supported my decision to move to a more global structure.
- You were personally invited by the head of CSKA, Colonel Mikhail Baryshev?
- Yes, Mikhail Nikolaevich infected me with his energy and desire to change Russian sports for the better. There are a lot of problems, especially with athletics. Therefore, people who want to solve them as quickly as possible need to unite. This is what appeals to me about CSKA and it has become one of their key points for me in making a decision.
- Major Elena Isinbaeva, who played for CSKA, influenced your decision?
- Lena and I have been friends since those times when no one thought that she would become a great athlete. Because of different types jumping we have never been competitors in the stadium. Lena spoke extremely positively about Mikhail Nikolaevich; she supported my decision to come to the Army Club. All our lives we have served for the good Russian sports, and now we will also serve for the benefit of CSKA.
- Do you already have a designated scope of work?
- My position is called “Deputy Head of CSKA for Sports Work.” This is a huge area of activity, which I’m glad about - it means we can achieve a lot. I love to see real result of their works.
You are probably familiar with other outstanding athletes who occupy leadership positions in CSKA, for example, Svetlana Khorkina. Do you think this will help in your work?
- When you communicate with such great athletes, you understand that there is no limit to perfection. I would be glad if people from different sports would share their vision and views on existing issues, tasks and solutions - such communication, of course, will only benefit CSKA, and this is exactly what we need.
You have three higher educations: pedagogical, economic and managerial. What helps you most in your career?
- As professional activity after sports showed, all three educations were useful - together they create a unique symbiosis necessary for working in sports structures.
PERSONAL MATTER
Marina Gennadievna Kuptsova
Specialization: high jump. Coach - Gennady Kuptsov (father).
In the Russian national team from 1998 to 2008.
Honored Master of Sports.
Champion of the World Youth Games (1998), European champion (2002) indoors, silver medalist of the World Championship (2003), world junior champion (1998).
Personal best: 2.02 meters (2003).
Indoor personal best: 2.03 (2002).
Due to injury I was forced to leave big sport in 2008.
Education: Moscow Pedagogical State University, teacher physical culture and sports (year of graduation - 2001); Russian International Olympic University, sports management (2008); Moscow Financial and Industrial Academy (MFPA), economist (2009).
Member of the ARAF Presidium. Since 2011, director of the State Budgetary Institution " Sports school Olympic reserve No. 44" Moskomsport. Since November 2016, deputy head of the Army Central Sports Club for sports work.
Famous track and field athlete, European indoor champion Marina Kuptsova has been appointed to the post of deputy head of the Army Central Sports Club for sports work. After her appointment, Marina Gennadievna answered questions from the CSKA press center.
- Marina Gennadievna, tell us what prompted you to come to CSKA?
- My entire sports career is connected with the Army Club. I trained at the CSKA Indoor Athletics and Football Complex on Leningradsky Prospekt, where my older sister had previously practiced discus throwing. And before that, our mother trained with the first Soviet Olympic champion, representative of the Army Club Nina Ponomareva. Now I am ready to help my native club with my experience and knowledge in matters of sports training.
For five years you headed the Olympic reserve sports school No. 44 of Moskomsport. Don't you feel sorry to leave your brainchild?
- It's a shame. I headed one of the largest sports schools in Moscow, where I gained enormous experience. Much more could be done. I'm proud of the work I've done. The entire team with whom I worked supported my decision to move to a more global structure.
- You were personally invited by the head of CSKA, Colonel Mikhail Baryshev?
- Yes, Mikhail Nikolaevich infected me with his energy and desire to change Russian sports for the better. There are a lot of problems, especially with athletics. Therefore, people who want to solve them as quickly as possible need to unite. This is what appeals to me about CSKA and this was one of the key points for me in making a decision.
- Major Elena Isinbaeva, who played for CSKA, influenced your decision?
- Lena and I have been friends since those times when no one thought that she would become a great athlete. Due to the different types of jumps, we have never been competitors in the stadium. Lena spoke extremely positively about Mikhail Nikolaevich; she supported my decision to come to the Army Club. We have served for the benefit of Russian sports all our lives, and now we will also serve for the benefit of CSKA.
- Do you already have a designated scope of work?
- My position is called “Deputy Head of CSKA for Sports Work.” This is a huge area of activity, which I’m glad about – it means we can achieve a lot. I like to see the real result of my work.
You are probably familiar with other outstanding athletes who occupy leadership positions in CSKA, for example, Svetlana Khorkina. Do you think this will help in your work?
- When you communicate with such great athletes, you understand that there is no limit to perfection. I would be glad if people from different sports would share their vision and views on existing issues, tasks and solutions - such communication, of course, will only benefit CSKA, and this is exactly what we need.
You have three higher educations: pedagogical, economic and managerial. What helps you most in your career?
- As professional activity after sports showed, all three educations were useful - together they create a unique symbiosis necessary for working in sports structures.
PERSONAL MATTER
Marina Gennadievna Kuptsova
Specialization: high jump. Coach – Gennady Kuptsov (father).
In the Russian national team from 1998 to 2008.
Honored Master of Sports.
Champion of the World Youth Games (1998), European champion (2002) indoors, silver medalist of the World Championship (2003), world junior champion (1998).
Personal best: 2.02 meters (2003).
Indoor personal best: 2.03 (2002).
Due to an injury, she was forced to leave the sport in 2008.
Education: Moscow Pedagogical State University, teacher of physical education and sports (graduation year – 2001); Russian International Olympic University, sports management (2008); Moscow Financial and Industrial Academy (MFPA), economist (2009).
Member of the ARAF Presidium. Since 2011, director of the State Budgetary Institution “Sports School of Olympic Reserve No. 44” of Moskomsport. Since November 2016, deputy head of the Army Central Sports Club for sports work.
- Marina Gennadievna, tell us what prompted you to come to CSKA?
- My entire sports career is connected with the army club. I trained at the CSKA indoor track and field football complex on Leningradsky Prospekt, where my older sister had previously practiced discus throwing. And before that, our mother trained with the first Soviet Olympic champion, representative of the Army Club Nina Ponomareva. Now I’m ready with my experience and knowledge to help my native club in matters of sports training,” said Marina Kuptsova in an interview for the official website of CSKA.
For five years you headed the Olympic reserve sports school No. 44 of Moskomsport. Don't you feel sorry to leave your brainchild?
- It's a pity. I headed one of the largest sports schools in Moscow, where I gained enormous experience. Much more could be done. I'm proud of the work I've done. The entire team with whom I worked supported my decision to move to a more global structure.
- You were personally invited by the head of CSKA, Colonel Mikhail Baryshev?
- Yes, Mikhail Nikolaevich infected me with his energy and desire to change Russian sports for the better. There are a lot of problems, especially with athletics. Therefore, people who want to solve them as quickly as possible need to unite. This is what appeals to me about CSKA and this was one of the key points for me in making a decision.
- Major Elena Isinbaeva, who played for CSKA, influenced your decision?
- We have been friends with Lena since those times when no one thought that she would become a great athlete. Due to the different types of jumps, we have never been competitors in the stadium. Lena spoke extremely positively about Mikhail Nikolaevich; she supported my decision to come to the Army Club. We have served for the benefit of Russian sports all our lives, and now we will also serve for the benefit of CSKA.
- Do you already have a designated scope of work?
- My position is called “Deputy Head of CSKA for Sports Work.” This is a huge area of activity, which I’m glad about - it means we can achieve a lot. I like to see the real result of my work.
You are probably familiar with other outstanding athletes who occupy leadership positions in CSKA, for example, Svetlana Khorkina. Do you think this will help in your work?
- When you communicate with such great athletes, you understand that there is no limit to perfection. I would be glad if people from different sports would share their vision and views on existing issues, tasks and solutions - such communication, of course, will only benefit CSKA, and this is exactly what we need.
You have three higher educations: pedagogical, economic and managerial. What helps you most in your career?
- As my professional activities after sports showed, all three educations were useful - together they create a unique symbiosis necessary for working in sports structures.
The All-Russian Athletics Federation congratulates Marina Kuptsova on her high appointment and wishes her success in her new role!
Marina Gennadievna Kuptsova(December 22, 1981, Moscow) - Russian high jumper. Champion of the European Championship 2002. 2nd place at the World Championships 2003. European champion 2002 indoors. Since November 2016 - Deputy Head of CSKA for Sports Work. Master of Sports of international class.
Biography
Born in Moscow. She started playing sports at the age of 6 - swimming, volleyball, high jumping. Mom, Galina Vladimirovna, is a former discus thrower. My father competed in decathlon and was a master of sports in shot put.
Graduated from Moscow Pedagogical University and Moscow International Institute of Econometrics, Informatics, Finance and Law.
The coach is the father. A personal best jump of 2.03 meters was achieved in Hengello in June 2003. Personal best indoors in 2002 - 2.03. She spoke for MGFSO.
Due to incorrect diagnosis, the injury was neglected, which led to a rupture of the Achilles tendon and a long break from sports. She did not compete throughout 2004, and in the 2005 season she could only clear 1.92 m. However, this was enough for second place in the Russian Championship.
Due to injury, Marina was eventually forced to leave the sport in 2008.
Sports commentator Vasily Parnyakov filmed about the life of Marina Kuptsova in and outside of sports documentary"Albino".
Since 2011 - Director of the State Budgetary Institution “Sports School of Olympic Reserve No. 44” of Moskomsport.
In November 2016, she was appointed deputy head of CSKA (FAI RF CSKA) for sports work.
Titles
- European indoor champion 2002.
- Silver medalist European Championship 2002
- World Junior Champion
- Winner of the World Youth Games
- Two-time champion Russia in high jump
