In short, the name Pryakhin continues to resonate. We managed to find the famous swimmer at the pool, and he kindly agreed to answer a few questions.
- In 2015, the domestic masters team performed successfully at the World Championship for veterans; could you please tell us about this competition?
- Six people from our country participated, four of whom represented the "Manas" club (Kara-Balta), Ahmed Anarbaev competed individually, and I represented the KARVEN sport club. For many years, I have been training and competing specifically for this club. I did not become a champion, but I was satisfied with my result. Participation is already a great achievement! Our renowned Kyrgyzstani Ahmed Anarbaev brought home a gold medal, becoming the world champion in the age group of 65-69 years.
- Some believe that after 40, it is unnecessary to engage in sports and that one can lead a measured lifestyle...
- I categorically disagree with that! I constantly train and have been participating in world championships for veterans since 2003. Of course, many are surprised by my schedule, as I spend a couple of hours in the pool every day, swimming several kilometers. It has become almost automatic; every day I come home from work, have a light snack, and head to the pool. I only miss training if I travel abroad. Swimming has always followed me everywhere. Water has always been nearby. It so happened that from 1989, I had to move to Thailand for 10 years. And there I continued to train because there was no other way. I have no desire to leave sports now. After all, swimming is primarily about maintaining health. Once a year, I undergo a full medical check-up and monitor my heart. My cardiologist keeps telling me that I feel better after enduring physical loads. After swimming, I feel simply excellent.
- For you, swimming is a necessity; how essential is this sport for society as a whole?
- You may not learn weightlifting or boxing, but every child must be taught to swim. There used to be a system where athletes were initially taught to swim. All our titled pentathletes came from swimming. You can learn anything, but it all starts in the pool. My main coaching career took place at the "Selmashevets" pool, and I saved two drowning children. So, it is essential to teach kids to swim. It is a pity that pools like the Sports Palace and "Dolphin" are not functioning. By the way, the latter is a historical monument, built in 1957. Now the local administration is paying attention to the development of various sports, but the main focus in the capital is on wrestling and national sports. But we must not forget about swimming; every newly built school should have a pool, and it should be accessible to everyone.
- You have achieved a lot in sports. How important are the competitions held now for you? What does the moment of competition with other athletes give you personally?
- At such events, I often meet my friends, sports veterans with whom I competed back in the 70s. I was part of the Youth National Team of the Soviet Union in swimming. It is pleasant to see athletes from Slovakia and famous swimmers from all over the former Soviet Union. We once competed together. In 2015, about three thousand participants were registered for the World Championship. Athletes aged 25 to 90 compete. There is a special atmosphere there. Now I am preparing for my fourth World Championship, and I will once again represent our country and my club. These major competitions are held every two years. Currently, Ahmed Anarbaev is negotiating with the International Swimming Federation FINA to hold Asian-scale swimming competitions for veterans, in which athletes from our continent would participate, as there are many such events in Europe. We would like to compete more often.
- At what age should parents bring their child to swimming?
- I worked for many years at the City Sports School under "Alga," and I taught a huge number of children to swim, training them at the initial level, and then other coaches would take over and elevate the athletes' skills. I believe that a child should be brought to swimming when they can already understand that it is a sport. Of course, it is good that two- and three-year-olds swim; it strengthens health and instills a love for swimming. But I believe that the most optimal age is five to six years. It is at this age that real training and sports begin. I brought my grandson to swimming at 2.5 years, but he does not yet realize that it is a sport; he just plays in the children's pool.
- Do you currently set a goal to win the title of world champion among veterans?
- Of course! Unfortunately, I had health problems, and I only found salvation in swimming. Last year, I underwent spine surgery, the same as the famous figure skater Evgeni Plushenko. Now I am back in shape, training actively, and I will definitely achieve success!
- What does swimming give to your soul?
- Calmness, confidence in myself; in the pool, I train and at the same time relax. Every day I swim two to three kilometers. I go to the pool easily and with great pleasure. Even at 53, I live for sports!
- As a professional coach, could you give advice to parents? Many mothers and grandmothers claim that it is better to wait for spring and then bring the little ones to swimming, and that it is better not to train in the pool in winter...
- That is incorrect. Children, on the contrary, harden themselves. Long winter holidays are coming, so it is the perfect time to take children outdoors, to clean air. When starting to swim, of course, kids may get sick; there is no need to be frightened, and it is not necessary to quit sports after the first cold. It is essential to continue training; then the child will grow up hardened and will swim well. Winter is no obstacle to swimming!
Water is undoubtedly important for our life. In this environment, a person feels excellent. And it is no wonder that doctors advise: learn to swim and improve your health!
