“My goal was to break the world record. I was confident I could do it. I was preparing a lot.”
This was stated by Lamiya Valiyeva, winner of gold and silver medals at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, in an interview with Baku TV.
The athlete pointed out that the most difficult thing is to retain the title after being proclaimed champion:
“I was very tired during the following training. Every year I strengthen my training. I was lucky enough to win a gold medal in the 100-meter race. I won a silver medal in the 400-meter race. Three weeks before the competition, “My training did not go well. Sometimes I did not believe in myself, I thought that maybe I was not as strong as before, but it turned out to be the opposite of what I thought.”
The Paralympic champion said he has loved sports since he was a child and that it was his first time playing volleyball.
“I played volleyball for a year. I didn’t like playing in a team, it made me angry. Also, I had weak eyes, I couldn’t see the ball well. My teacher advised my father to run fast and I went to athletics.”
Lamiya Valiyeva also spoke about her future plans:
“I am looking forward to participating in the Islamic Solidarity Games. My biggest goal is the 2028 Summer Paralympics in Los Angeles.”
In the detailed plot:
Paralympic Champion: “I’m glad I represented our nation well”
