Kazakhstani long jumper Anastasia Rypakova shared her impressions with qazathletics.kz about her recent performance at the international Korea Athletics Open held in the city of Yecheon, South Korea.
Kazakhstani long jumper Anastasia Rypakova, the national champion from 2021 to 2024, competed on 7 June at the international Korea Athletics Open held in the city of Yecheon, South Korea. In addition to her Korean rivals, her competitors included athletes from Thailand and Kyrgyzstan. The event was won by Korea’s long jump leader Yu Yangmi, while Rypakova finished second with a result of 5.92 metres, a performance she was not entirely satisfied with.
– Anastasia, tell us how this competition in Korea went for you. What impressions did you take away from the event?
– As far as the competition itself, there was a lot of fuss because I had to think for two — both for the athlete and the coach. It was difficult to connect the technical picture with my own sensations, especially when you have about five minutes between attempts. After the competition, I was disappointed with myself because I couldn’t reach my usual stable minimum of six metres. But I’m trying not to dwell on it.
– You were the only Kazakhstani athlete at these competitions. How difficult was it mentally to compete alone, without your team or coach?
– It was quite unexpected for me and really tough. After arriving in Incheon, I managed the organisational part quite well — it was my first experience doing that. But as the competition day approached, I started to get nervous and worry because I didn’t have my team around me. This is something I need to get used to — it has both advantages and disadvantages.
– On the podium you were waving and smiling at someone — who was that for?
– Those were young athletes — maybe even my fans, who knows (laughs). Alongside our international competition, Korea was also holding their national championships across various age groups — from little kids to masters.
– What are your upcoming plans? What’s next for you?
– Now I’m preparing for the national Youth Games, which will take place in the second half of June. After that, I’ll compete at other events here in Kazakhstan.
– Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
– I do, several in fact, but I was missing the main one this time — a pep talk with my coach. It really helps boost my confidence. And of course, some energising music a few minutes before heading to the runway.
In the photo: Anastasia Rypakova at the award ceremony of the Korea Athletics Open.
