Igor Yudin Interview

EXCLUSIVE!

Despite a very busy schedule due to the upcoming 2012 London Olympics, Austalia’s team captain, Igor Yudin, still found time to answer a few questions for Volleywood while in Brazil to play in some friendly matches last week.

Here you go..

1. The Olympics is just several days away, describe the emotions you feel.

Honestly its a bit of a mixed feeling, even tho Olympics are less then two weeks away it still feels like we have a huge job to do in terms of preparation. I think i will realise the importance and excitement of the tournament once we get to london. But making Olympics is a dream come true for me!

2. Leading up to the Olympics, what is Team Australia’s training schedule like? any friendly matches?

We have very busy preparation schedule, we had a good training block back in Australia and currently we are in Brazil playing a high class club team, in a few days we will move onto Russia to play few matches there. Its busy, but its exactly what we need to prepare us for such a huge tournament.

3. In your pool, you will play against Poland, Italy, Bulgaria, Argentina and Great Britain. What are you realistic goals against these teams.

We’ve been fortunate enough to play most of this teams this year, we have a good idea about each teams style and the way we have to come out and play against them, we are not setting any goals yet, we going to the Olympics to win the games we can win and to put up a fight against top teams. I think it will be very interesting tournament and you will see few surprises.

4. Describe your team’s strengths heading into the Games.

I think one of the strengths in our, such a young team is the level of maturity we playing with, we have made a huge step in the last two years mentally and that helped us to reach the goals we wanted to achieve. also another important thing is the team atmosphere we have, its a one big family and everyone is ready to fight for each other.

5. Throughout your Olympic Qualification journey in Japan, what is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far that u can motivate you in London?

That you can’t waste any opportunity that comes your way. you have to go out on the court and fight like its your last match, set or a point. If you do that, you will have opportunities to win sets, and games.

6. Did you ever thnik that Australia will not make it to London knowing that Iran was the top favorite? Yes or no? Why or why not?

We always knew that we can do it, we knew how hard it will be and how much of a hard work it will take to get there. We did everything possible to be in a position we are in right now. We beat top teams in Asia. We are very proud what we’ve achieved and no one can take it away from us.

7. What are your responsibilties as the Team Captain?

First of all its your skills, what you do on the volleyball court thats what counts, your teammates have to see you as a leader and have to know that you always there to perform and help your team to win. Other very important thing for me is to be very strong mentally because that translates into team attitude and how aggressive we can become on the court.

8. Under a new coach, describe coach Uriarte’s coaching style and system?

Jon has been a great help not just for our team but for Australian Volleyball in general. He really helped us to understand that we are all good enough players to be able to achieve great things (in this case making the Olympics). He is been huge contributor and his work with young talent has been unquestioned.

9. Who are some of other volleyball athletes and/or Olympic athletes you really look up to and excited to see in London?

I’ve been lucky enough to have an opportunity in my club career to play with some of the great players in the world volleyball, all my attention will go to my performance and our team performance. But if there is free time i really would love to watch a game of basketball specially USA basketball team.

10. Any message to the fans of Team Australia?

Even volleyball being such a small sport in Australia there is a huge community that follows and supports our team, We really appreciate all the support you’ve given us and we will try to do everything we can to make each one of those people proud.

11. (Please fill in the blank) After the 2012 Olympics, I will ….

Be back to my beautiful fiancee that is expecting a baby. Giving everything I can to make this time of our lives even more special.

Side Dish: Australia Defeats China To Qualify for the 2012 London Olympics

(images: FIVB)