Team Russia during Coronavirus crisis: “The lockdown period was with minimal losses!“

Moscow (FIL) The number of COVID-19 cases increased later on than the rest of Europe. From the end of April onwards, however, the growth was exponential. So far, about 790,000 people have been infected in Russia. Since mid-May, the daily infection figures have been declining. Subsequently, the lockdown was allowed to be eased. On the weekend of 18th/19th July, the members of the Russian Luge team were able to conduct the first joint training camp at the Paramonovo International Bobsleigh and Luge Complex in the Moscow region.

The Head Coach of the Russian Luge team Sergey Chudinov reported: “This was the first joint team training since the Coronavirus lockdown. We started our work in early July. Of course, the Coronavirus has brought changes in our lives. I am glad that we managed to complete the competitive season both internationally and in Russia. The National Luge Championship was held in March in Sochi. However, we could not take a break afterwards, as we had planned. We had to cancel all trips, including the international ones. During the quarantine, as our athletes jokingly say, they managed to have a good night’s sleep and spend a lot of time with their families. However, it didn’t have any effect on their work.”

Chudinov further reports: “We had to cancel the training activities in May and June. However, among the coaching staff we managed to assess the situation well and quickly organise work for athletes to do at home. We developed individual training programs for the quarantine period. Some of our athletes have set up mini fitness rooms at home, in the garage or outside. The association bought exercise equipment so that the athletes could train at home. Some of them also used training grounds. We always kept in touch, often having telephone conversations. We discussed the program, I answered the athletes' questions, we consulted and made adjustments.”

Everyone said that it worked well for them and they felt good during the time at home, the coaches reported. Nevertheless, different things could be tried too. Though the luge athletes may keep some of the training methods for the future.

Head Coach Chudinov continues: “After arriving at the training camp all the athletes were tested for the Coronavirus. They were all looking forward to starting their work again. Based on our test results we can say that the athletes are in the same physical condition as in the same period of the previous year. The lockdown brought us only minimal losses.”

Now the Russian Luge team will have a short break. Training will then continue at the end of July. The coaching staff has decided to slightly extend the duration of the training activities, as some time for tests and examinations has to be allocated to the beginning of the training camp. Sergey Chudinov is very satisfied with the season preparation so far: “In general, everything is going according to plan. We will continue training in Russia until November. At the end of October we will be sliding again at the Russian Cup in Sochi. These competitions are traditionally the qualifiers for participation in the international competitions. I hope that the borders will be opened again soon and that we can travel to Europe and start the season as usual.”