At 37, she knows her limits as an athlete.
Playing for the National Team is physically demanding and knowing she is not in her 20s anymore, Russia’s legendary volleybelle has decided NOT to play for Russia this year.
She tells Russia Volley:
“No, I will not play for the national team this year.
To prepare for the 2015 World Cup (August 22nd – September 6th), training will start in June need but my body will not be ready then. I won’t be in great shape. I need more time to recover after the club season so I cannot begin training immediately.
It is unrealistic to say that I’ll be ready by August. I am no longer a 20-year-old athlete.”
In case you didn’t know, Sokolova last competed for Russia at the 2013 FIVB Grand Champions Cup and the team finished 4th.
Professionally, the 5 time Olympian is playing Russian club team Dinamo Krasnodar together Volleywood superstars like Tatiana Koshelava, Fernanda Garay and Rosir Calderon. Lyuba and team recently won the Russian Cup and they are among the favorite to win the Russian League crown this season.
She has also renewed her contract with Krasnodar for the 2015-2016 season.
At 37, Sokolova is still a world class player.
Loves it!
(images: FIVB)