Ahead of the Kazakhstan Athletics Championships, qazathletics.kz caught up with runner Maksim Frolovsky to talk about his recent performance at the Asian Championships and find out how he envisions his future in athletics.
At the 26th Asian Athletics Championships, held in late May in the Korean city of Gumi, Almaty native Maksim Frolovsky was one of the youngest members of the Kazakhstan national team. He is now 23 years old. In Gumi, he placed 15th in the 1500m with a time of 3:52.09 and finished 10th in the 5000m, clocking 14:04.08.
– Maksim, how do you assess your performance at the Asian Championships? What worked out, and what, in your view, didn’t go as planned?
– I’d say the performance was satisfactory. I’m a bit disappointed I couldn’t fully deliver in the 1500m — I lacked experience. Plus, it was my first race of the season. I’m more satisfied with the 5000m, though I still haven’t broken the 14-minute barrier. My coach and I were more focused on the 5000. It felt like my most confident run. The 1500m served more as a boost — to push me toward a faster 5000.
– What conclusions did you draw from the Asian Championships?
– The main takeaway: be bolder, run to my full potential, and not get caught up with the kickers.
– In your opinion, why is it currently difficult to compete with the leading Asian runners?
– I believe I can compete — it’s just a matter of time. My results are improving. There are some setbacks, but more progress overall.
– What do you think is missing for you to reach the Asian and world level?
– Time.
– Which Asian athletes do you look up to?
– I find the Japanese runners interesting — they’re very competitive.
– What does a “strong performance” mean to you? Is it about the result, how you feel, the fight?
– A strong performance is when you’re able to apply all your preparation and give everything you’ve got for the result you want.
– What goals have you set for yourself in 2025? What’s your top priority?
– The summer season isn’t over yet. I’ve got the World University Games ahead, where I want to beat my personal best in the 1500m and finally go sub-14 in the 5000.
– And if we look ahead to 2026 and 2027, what are your biggest goals?
– To qualify for the 2028 Olympics.
– What inspires you outside of sport? Is there anything other than running that makes you stronger?
– Running and recovery take up 70% of my time, so what inspires me is the path I’ve already taken — and everything that’s still ahead (smiles).
In the photo: Maksim Frolovsky – No. 170.
