The star of world handball, the right back of the Russian national team and Brest Bretagne Handball Anna Vyakhirevabecame the first owner of the Gold ball of handball award. Isn’t it a good occasion for an interview?
— You are recognized as the best every year for a long time, according to various versions. Now more than 50 journalists from Russia and Belarus participated in the voting for the first time in the history of our handball. How important is the recognition of this particular part of the audience to you?
— I’m very flattered, of course. I didn’t expect it, taking into consideration the fact that I don’t appear in the Russian press so often. In general, any recognition is pleasant anyway. Therefore, I’m very grateful.
— What would the top-3 of the best Russian handball players of the past year look like in your opinion?
— I find the trio Dmitrieva — Vyakhireva — Mikhaylichenko worthy. Though, it’s difficulty for me to judge because I don't follow blindly our championship.
— Did you improve in something as a player after months in France? Did any accents changed in your play?
— I don’t know whether I can judge my play. Probably, now I’m more concentrated on assists, namely on creation of moments for convenient throws for my teammates. I don’t know if it’s good or bad, but that’s how it goes.
— How have you changed in comparison with yourself of the time of Rio de Janeiro 2016? As a player and as a person?
— I don’t know. I’m just more experienced now. Perhaps, I’m less nervous. But overall, the game thrill doesn’t disappear anywhere. I am still learning to understand the thought that nobody is perfect. And I work on the basis of this principle. That is why I can’t say there is a big difference.
— With what feelings did you watch the Olympic Games in Paris?
— I watched the Olympic Games with mixed emotions — cheerfully and enviously. I hope there will be another chance to feel this atmosphere.
— How will you celebrate the New Year? What are the New Year’s traditions in France? Did you celebrate in the team somehow? Or is there more emphasis on Christmas?
— I will work on New Year’s Eve. I suppose, there will be no celebration. Christmas is mainly celebrated in France, like in most European countries. I have already spent it in Norway.
— What would you wish yourself and your dear people on New Year’s Eve?
— I wish all close people could get together.
— Can you name the most memorable celebration in your life? And the most memorable and unexpected gift?
— I would like to talk about my favorite present this year — it was a photo album with my friends.
— And what is you favorite holiday? Is it your birthday?
— I don’t like holidays very much in general. And birthday is the least favorite. I haven’t learned to receive much attention.
— What dishes will be on your New Year’s table?
— I’ll try to cook Olivier salad just to follow the tradition. But it’s not exactly. It depends on how much time I will have.
— France is a country of high cuisine. What is the most unusual food have you tried? And how do you feel about experiments with food in general?
— I haven’t tasted unusual food yet. I would like to try frog legs, but even not all French people tasted that dish. So, I am not really concerned about it.
— There were a lot of coaches in your career. What would you take from anyone if we decide to set up an ideal collective image? Whom would you take reading of the game, spidey sense for substitute, motivational moments from?
— I would make a combination of my father (Viktor Vyakhirev — Handballfast), Ole (Gjekstad — Handballfast) and Ambros (Martin — Handballfast). The first one for the development of techniques and vision of the game, the second one for the confidence that he gives to the players and the third one for motivation for the matches.
— Are there any general principal differences between male and female coaches? Or does everything depend on a particular coach and a female coach, for example, can also be very tough?
— I haven’t felt the difference between male and female coaches yet. All of them have their pros and cons.
— In fact, you have no unconquered peaks in handball. What is your main motivation?
— Handball as a whole is my motivation. I will play as long as I like it.
Photo: Alena Pastushenko, the EHF, Anna Vyakhireva’s social network
