Athletics is commonly called the queen of sports, as it is one of the most popular sports. Its disciplines have held the largest number of medals at the Olympic Games.
The birthplace of athletics as a sport can be considered Ancient Greece. It was there that distance running competitions appeared, called “stadium” and was equal to the length of the stadium (192 m 27 cm).
The first Games of the Ancient Olympiads were held in 776 BC, which a reliable record has been preserved about.There was only one winner, as athletes competed only in the one-stadium race.
The winner’s name was Koroibos, a cook from the city of Elida.This date is considered to be the beginning of the history of athletics.
Turkmenistan also has its own heroes in this sport. One of them is the multiple national champion, winner of international competitions Valentina Meredova. ORIENT interviewed the athlete and learned about her life in sport.
“Even at school, the teacher noticed my abilities and suggested me to go in for athletics. And since my mother formerly also was a track and field athlete, I immediately agreed. We can say a sports family. My brother Serdar Annaorazov football player, plays for Akhal,” says Valentina.
Her first competitions were held in 1997 in the 50-meter race.Back at that time, the victory excitement was awakened in the future champion.And then in 2003 at the Central Asian Games in Dushanbe (Tajikistan) she won a bronze medal in the 4/400 relay, and later another “bronze” at the international tournament “Memorial of Guzman Kosanov”.
In the 100-meter race, she set a Turkmen record (1.56).Valentina also holds the national records in the 200 meters (23.77) and 60 meters (7.46).
At the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017, Valentina took the third step of the podium.
“Athletics is about strength, endurance. Despite the fact that I am 36 years old, I still have a lot of energy and strength for new victories. I want to run as much as possible,” the athlete admits. She tries to keep herself in shape, without missing a workout.
For two years, Valentina has been engaged in coaching. Her pupil Alisher Sadullayev is a prize-winner of international competitions, and Maisa Shageldieva, despite her young age (she is studying in the 8th grade), took second place at the last competitions after her mentor.
Valentina’s Daughter Soili also runs. Quickly.
“She just has no other choice, smiles the champion. But Soili has all the physical attributes necessary for athletics. Perhaps, one day, she also will be a champion.