Privalova comeback

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Thursday 3 May 2007
Irina Privalova, 38, the 2000 Olympic Games 400m Hurdles champion continues her preparations for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. This was the statement made for the Russian Agency of sports information (All sport) by her husband and coach Vladimir Paraschuk.

“On the current training session we’re paying very much attention to Irina’s complete recovery after the variety of injuries she had during her whole career, but there’s no place for taking risks.”

“The aim is still the same – participation in the 2008 Olympic Games. The exact distances are yet to be considered, but the likely choice will be the usual 100 and 200 metres.”

Privalova was European champion at 100m and 200m in 1994 and retained the longer sprint crown in 1998, she is also a three-time individual sprint medallist at outdoor World Championship level having taken the 100m bronze in 1995, and 200m medals in 1993 (bronze) and 1995 (silver).

“We’re planning this season to be a calm one, without forcing her shape. We will participate in the Moscow Championship, the opening of the summer athletics season and some other competitions. In any case we’ll participate in serious events as soon as we find what her results indicate.”

“Of course, problems with our preparations do exist. We have 3 children, the youngest of them is nearly 2 years old. Sometimes we take them to the training sessions, sometimes we leave them with a nanny, :eek: (NOT OUR Nanny!) :stuck_out_tongue: and of course when it happens that we have no possibility to leave them with a nanny, then we can’t go to the planned training sessions.”

Privalova has been one of the most prominent Russian sprinters in history, collecting World Indoor titles at the 60m (1991), 200m (1993), and 400m (1995) and she remains a multiply record-holder at different sprint distances, including 60m (6.92)

Her top achievement remains the Olympic gold in Sydney 2000 at the 400m Hurdles, and World gold in Stuttgart in 1993 in the 4x100m relay.

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I’d be amazed…5 -6 years of stop?38 Y.o.??
Hope it gets a reality show!!
I’d love to follow day to day progress.
:slight_smile:

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she is a remarkable athlete and it amazes me how good she is over 100/200 and 400.

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My avatar’s presence is necessary here!

Oh my God, how I’d love to see that!

Thanks, KitKat! :slight_smile:

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At a time when women’s 400H looks as open as it was for Sydney OG, I wonder why she has gone back to the short sprints - where perhaps potential for injury is a bigger factor in the event than a more measured 400 Hurdles?

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Who knows what they really have in mind. If anything, i’d have to guess 400h is the only serious option. A Russian won the first WCs in Helsinki in the 400h at a very advanced age- maybe over 40? Anyone remember?

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You probably think about Marina Stepanova who at 36 won European Champs in 1986 and broke the WR 52.94 the same year which would last until 1993. She was part of the advisor crew for Privalova in her successful switch to 400mH in 2000.

There’s no more talk of 800m for her, it was in her plan after her second child birth, i think she has 3 now.

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PJ, yeah, the original post talks about 3 children now…

KK, at the moment there seems to be a preference towards 100 and 200 m, but have they ruled the 400mh out? You never know… :slight_smile: When was it known she was doing 400mh in Sydney? I only remember a few races during that summer, 2 - 3?

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http://www.ukhurdlesclub.net/coaching/coach%20Privalova.htm

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Stepanova. Now that’s a great name for a hurdler! :smiley: Btw, has anyone seen any movies Privalova has appeared in? I heard she’s been in a few very raunchy adult flicks!

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Allegedly there is a 23.6 HT win in Moscow for Irina… Any information/confirmation on this by anyone?

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Wouldnt it be great though. I would love to see her back in the 100m 200m. Not sure if its possible, but no more marion at least for time being. Whats her best in the open 400m?