Top ranked European player on the world list Sofia POLCANOVA will lead Austria’s team at the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer. She was forced to make a break during the pandemic but Sofia is recovering with optimism as Japan awaits.
“In past year I have played in the bubble events at the China World Cup and Grand Finals. Also I have played the Champions League bubble Event in Linz in December. There were not many competitions last year. But now the preparations are going well. I have started to practice in the middle of May after my knee surgery ” said POLCANOVA.
How are preparations under the new circumstances going?
“So far not so much has changed because we have some privileges as athletes and we can practice normally. For that I am very grateful. Of course the situation is still not like it was before and I have to be careful.”
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Five years after Rio is a long period how different are you now privately and concerning your career?
“I got married last year. I am very happy that we could make the wedding because of coronavirus although unfortunately my family could not come to Austria from Moldova. My career has changed a lot since Rio. I did not like my results in singles in Rio so I’ve worked to improve. I had great results on the European stage like three medals at the Europeans in 2018 or bronze medal at Europe Top-16. Also I became number 1 in Europe in the world rankings.”
What is the goal for the Austrian team and your personal goal in the singles?
“Of course for every player it is a dream to get a medal. We have a great team now. Personally I just want to see how it will go from match to match and enjoy my game again.”
How did you feel playing in Rio since it was your first time what is your most vivid memory from Brazil?
“I was very impressed by the Christ the Redeemer statue; it looks even more impressive than the pictures show. The culture is different from European. It was exiting to learn about it.”
Which sport would you like to see in Tokyo?
“I would like to watch artistic gymnastics.”
What come first to your mind when you think about the greatest Olympic achievements?
“When I think about table tennis I always think about Jan- Ove WALDNER’S big results at the Olympics. Simone BILES is an icon in artistic gymnastics and she had truly great achievements at the Olympics.”
