2024-07-05 21:50:34
The sailors defending the honor of Lithuania will “catch the Olympic wind” not in the capital of France, Paris, but in the city of Marseille.
R. Jasiūnas and V. Andrulytė will leave for Marseille in the coming days – both Olympians want to spend as much time as possible in this city to get used to the environment that can present many surprises.
“Our ‘playground’ is constantly changing – shape, size, we want to be ready for all wind conditions.
We try to spend as much time as possible in the city of Marseille, so that we know strategically and tactically where it is better to swim under the relevant conditions, and make appropriate notes,” smiled 30-year-old R. Jasiūnas, who will be making his debut at the Olympic Games.
The athlete competing in the IQFOIL windsurfing class was happy that he could spend a few days in his hometown, together with his parents.
“It was really fun, because in recent months I don’t have to spend so much time in Lithuania. The mood is really good, even after my mother’s dishes, especially cottage cheese (smiles),” he added.
According to both him and V. Andrulytė, Marseille is special because in this city the wind “can come” from all directions, unlike in other sailing courses.
If this will only be the first Olympic Games for R. Jasiūnas, then V. Andrulytė felt her Olympic debut three years ago at the Olympics held in Tokyo.
Out of 44 athletes, the sailor from Lithuania was in 25th place that time.
“We were like in prison (laughs),” the 32-year-old Olympian shared her memories of the Tokyo Olympics. – We all sat with masks, of course, the situation was a little easier on the water. What I remember most is the extreme heat and that “prison” atmosphere. These games are very different, because there is more awareness, more peace.”
The athlete said that she has no great tension before the upcoming Olympic start.
“The goals are always the highest, but the number of participants is considerable, we all strive for a common goal.
I feel the responsibility more towards myself, that path was not easy, I hope that the wind will be favorable. I don’t feel stress and excitement, because that baggage is already enough,” added V. Andrulytė.
The 2021 World Championship bronze medalist, who spent the last few weeks on training camps rather than resting, was happy that this time her boat will be near the Olympic village.
“It will be just a five-minute walk to the ship. It’s very comfortable, I’m very happy about it,” the Olympian smiled.
R. Jasiūnas also does not feel great excitement before the Olympic debut. The 22-year-old sailing athlete will not be the only debutant in his event, as the competition in his class is a novelty of the Olympic Games.
“We are all in the same sled. That stress is not too much now, it will probably be a few days before, but when the start signal sounds, you just follow the plan, work and that stress is gone”, said R. Jasiūnas, who picked up his ticket to the Olympics in April.
He added that his main goal at the Olympics is to be in the top ten.
“I know that if I swim well and accurately, I can reach that top ten.” The main goal is to do everything to swim well, and I am sure that this can lead to a top ten, and being in the top ten, anything can happen,” reasoned the sailor.
Both he and V. Andrulytė were escorted to the Olympic Games starting on July 26 at the farewell ceremony held on Thursday. Representatives of the Lithuanian Sailing Federation also presented the Olympians with special accompanying gifts – a piece of amber and the Lithuanian tricolor flag.
2024-07-05 21:50:34