Army

Army

Mariya Stadnik aimed to capture Beijing gold

05 August 2008 09:05 (UTC +04:00)

European junior and senior champ stated that she is absolutely ready for 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
â€œWe had a good preparation. I was the winner of European junior and senior championship this year. I think I will perform successfully in Beijing as wellâ€, she said.
The 20-year-old has qualified for the Olympics after she took 7th place in world championship held in Baku last year. She was beaten by Chiharu Icho (Japan) in quarter-final that time. Her rival later became the European champion. Stadnik (48 kg) find the Japanese the most challenging opponent in the Olympics.
â€œMy main rival in Beijing will be Chiharu Icho who possesses many titles and much experience. I have never encountered my countryman Irina Merlen. She fights for Ukraine and I am for Azerbaijanâ€, she noted.
Stadnik added that she intends to stay in Azerbaijan after the competition. She is satisfied with the care in the country. The wrestler stated that other 15 Azeri sportsmen are also capable of scoring medals in Beijing.
â€œIt depends on psychological preparation of the wrestlersâ€, she said.
Stadnik is to join the competition on August 16.