RE-CONQUERING THE SUMMIT

To be an Olympic champion is the greatest dream of every athlete. The Azerbaijani taekwondoka Radik Isaev won this title in 27 years. His bright victory raised the flag of Azerbaijan and voiced our national anthem in Brazil, bringing joy to millions of sports fans.

No wonder that Radik is going through the most unforgettable days in his life.

A month after that memorable victory, we at R+ are pleased to present you Radik’s interview, where he more realistically assesses own performance at the Olympics and talks about his future plans.

- Radik Isayev before and after the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Is there any significant difference?

- Absolutely not! I just added yet another medal to my collection. By the way, I am seizing this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone who supported me. When I became an Olympic champion, I could imagine the entire period of training before my eyes.

- How long have you been training?

- After getting the license to Rio Games, we had been almost completely focused on competition in Brazil. Our coaches had made up a special program. We had conducted trainings and tests according to that plan. No way to do sports without a pain...

- Sport means health but you are talking about pains...

- Please do not get me wrong! Our team was getting ready for the Olympics when everybody else was enjoying hot summer days. On the other hand, athletes cannot eat anything they wish to. We strictly control our weight. Before Rio, I had completely forgotten about the sweets and high-calorie food.

- The Olympic Games are over. You won the gold medal, and can relax and even put on some weight for a while...

- As an athlete, I always have to be in shape. My mother prepares my most favorite dishes. She loves me very much. Therefore, immediately after the victory, I was thinking about her only.

- Who is going to safe your gold medal?

- Mom will add it to my collection of medals. She has created a special corner at home, where she keeps all my medals and diplomas.

- What is the difference between the gold medal won in Rio and your other awards?

- A great difference. The gold medal from Rio seems more majestic. It is extremely difficult to be successful at the Olympic Games. Maybe that is the reason why I think so.

- Did you believe that you would be the gold medalist before the Olympics?

- I had not thought about it. I wanted to be one of the winners. Our national team had always had special care and attention. I did not want to disappoint our caretakers. But after making it to finals, I had had a stronger feeling that I want a gold medal, not the silver one. It is an amazing feeling. You first dream just about a medal, but then you want only the gold medal.

- The national taekwondo team did not have gold medals before. Also, some of our experienced athletes were defeated in the finals, became the second. Had this fact had any psychological pressure on you?

- Well, I could have some hidden fear, of course. But I believed in myself. I wanted to prove myself as the European and world champion. The first fight was very stressful psychologically. But then the excitement subsided. The coaches had trained me to the championship in stages. I was thinking only about the next fight. I could fail if I would target the gold medal from the very beginning of the tournament.

- Our famous taekwondokas Niyamaddin Pashayev and Rashad Ahmadov had had participated in previous Olympic Games but they had not won medals. You are the first and only medalist so far...

- Niyamaddin and Rashad are very experienced athletes and wonderful people. I have always felt their support. They had not held back valuable advices, if necessary. At the Athens Olympics, Rashad Ahmadov was very close to get the bronze medal. I am glad that my performance in Rio was remarkable. Once again, I want to point out that my victory would not be possible without my coaches, the officials of the national federation, and my teammates. I never forget my mom, who is always inspiring me.

- Typically, the Olympic champions are exposed to stardom and are not unable to reach the summit again. Can you be affected by such an external attention to your personality?

- I am not going to change. This is the media and fans that glorify athletes. We are nothing without them. So, I will always keep an eye on my behavior. President Aliyev has made a telephone call after my victory and congratulated me. That was a very nice feeling. A call from the president has further enhanced my sense of responsibility. He said that I should seek further success. These words will be a stimulus for me in life.

- I can see gold medals from European and world championships in your collection as well. What will be your next goal?

- My next goal is to get the second gold medal at European and world championships, as well as the Olympic Games. Getting to top after winning the gold medal once by all possible means is difficult but important. I cannot stop being victorious in sport. The sport life lasts up to 32-34 years. Therefore, I would like to win as many medals as possible.

- There is no such thing as a former Olympic champion. This title will remain with you forever. What has changed in Rio for you?

- Before walking around Baku, I was not attracting much attention. But now many people recognize me. However, the recognition of an athlete is not as important. The athlete must have his say at the competition. I think my title will stimulate interest in taekwondo. Many children are engaged in taekwondo already. I want to appeal to the young men. Do not regret when you are defeated. It is impossible to become a champion overnight. Championship is a result of many years of experience and constant labor.