Off to the Training Session straight from the Airport

Mikhail Ulin: Talent and determination make an Olympic Champion

Mikhail Ulin, who has been the coach of the Russian short track team for the past 5 years, has just joined our federation to become the new short track coach

Q: Mikhail, this is your second visit to Israel. What was your first impression when you came here in May to get acquainted with your new workplace?
A: It altered my impression of Israel completely. I thought it would look like a desert, but actually the road from Tel Aviv to Metulla looks like a garden path!

Q: What is on the top of your agenda in the new place?
A: To get to work. When I came here in May, I already drew up a two-month plan for the athletes to work on till I would come back for full-time coaching.

Q: Shall we say that you are a determined person?
A: Exactly. Determination is a chief character trait for generating achievement of any kind.

Q: Is talent less important?
A: Talent is also important. But if a talented person does not have a clear direction in life, the talent is squandered. A combination of talent and determination make an Olympic Champion.

Q: Are you going to be tough on our short trackers?
A: Not necessarily. I believe that coaching is a combination of carrots and sticks. An experienced coach knows when to demand more and when to become a shoulder to cry on.

Q: What do you like about short track?
A: It is impossible to describe. People should see it themselves to form an impression about it. All I can say it is worth trying.

Q: You have lived in Moscow lately. What were your hobbies there, and do you think you will be able to pursue them in totally different surroundings?
A: I like fishing. Nick (the IISF short track coordinator) has already promised me lots of fish in the Kinneret, so I am well-set up for my favourite pastime.

Q: Have you already tried any of our national food staples?
A: I have tried houmus. It tasted different at first, but now I am getting used to it.

Q: Well, Mikhail, we are wishing you to mingle easily with your new place of working and living and lots of success in the new sports season.