First Start 2014 - 241cm WL,=DLR,MR
"I wanted to continue jumping but I could not focus anymore," said Ukhov, who had to rush out of the stadium to catch his flight home. There will certainly be more chances this season.
Ivan Ukhov (RUS), 2012 Olympic Champion, 2010 IAAF Diamond Race winner:
Are you well-prepared for the season?
It's hard to say now. We will see if I am ready or not tomorrow.
Many fans are waiting for your duel against the local hero Mutaz Barshim tomorrow. What can you say about this athlete?
I believe Mutaz is a great athlete. He is very talented and I think of him as one of the best high jumpers of all times.
Last year you were planning to beat the world record. Are you upset it didn't happen?
Of course I am disappointed. Although I understand, it's the world record and it isn't easy to break it.
Will you try to achieve your goal this season?
Of course I want to beat the record, but can't predict when it will happen.
Once you've said that it's normal for you to gain weight and be more than 100kg. Is it true?
Yes, it is. The heaviest I was is 103 kg.
How much do you weight now?
Around 95 kg.
Does your performance depends on your weight?
Not really, my results are not affected by that. I don't see the connection between weight and the result, because with 100 kg I remember jumping over 2.30 m and at the same time, being 82 kg I couldn't clear 2.15 m.
11 сен 2024