Joining Gamova on the THE RETIRED LIST is her longtime teammate and one of the best all around players we have ever known, Lioubov Sokolova.
In an article released by russiavolley.com, Lyuba is not in the best physical condition.
“I cannot train in full scale and I do not want to take someone else’s place so I decided to finish my career professionally and with the National Team.
I had a foot surgery.
I talked to the head coach, Yuri Marichev, and explained my situation. I told him that I cannot join the team. I had a foot surgery and I cannot train at all.
For someone to go to the Olympics, you must earn your place on the team and train in full with the team.
I cannot train in full force and I do not want to take someone else’s place.
I have decided to finish the career.”
Sokolova played in 5 consecutive Olympics (19996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012). With the national team, she won 2 Olympic silver medals (2000,2004) and 2 world championship gold medals (2006, 2010).
Her individual awards include the 2000 FIVB Granf Prix MVP Award, 2006 Europe’s Best Player and 2005 Champions League MVP Award.
Her professional career was spent in several countries like Italy, Turkey, Russia, Japan and Spain.
Throughout her career, she played with 3 different surnames: Sokolova, Kilic and Chachkova (Shashkova).
Lyuba, thank you so much for everything! You’ve been an inspiration to thousands of volleyball fans from all over the world.
We wish you best!
WE LOVE YOU!
FIVB IMAGES