Based on her 2024 results, Kazakhstan’s Olga Safronova was considered one of the top contenders in the 100m and 200m at the Asian Championships in Gumi. In an interview with qazathletics.kz, she explained what prevented her from reaching the finals in either event.
At the 26th Asian Athletics Championships, held from May 27 to 31 in Gumi, South Korea, the women’s 100m finalists were determined through three preliminary heats. The top two finishers in each heat advanced automatically, with two additional spots given to the next fastest overall times. Safronova placed third in her heat with 11.73 seconds — just shy of the final cutoff. Interestingly, in one of the other heats, second place — which guaranteed a spot in the final — was secured with a time of 11.74.
Two days later, she ran the 200 metres in 24.37, finishing fifth in her heat and again missing out on the final.
In her interview, Safronova opened up about her performance and shared her near-future plans.
– Olga, you were limping after your 100m race. What happened, and when did the issue begin?
– Unfortunately, the Asian Championships turned out nothing like I hoped or dreamed. Honestly, this was one of the worst performances of my career. The limp was due to an issue that arose during my training leading up to the championships. The entry applications were submitted quite early, so we decided to go ahead, thinking we could manage. I was hopeful it would work out. Sadly, we couldn’t solve the problem in time. I lacked race readiness, I lacked proper training — especially speed work. This experience reinforced for me how essential daily training is to achieve medal-worthy results. My prep wasn’t based on what I needed to do, but what I could do without pain. I truly hoped the results would still be good — but they weren’t.
– Athletes often say a single minute on the track can feel like a whole lifetime. What was that "lifetime" like for you at the Asian Championships?
– It was a second-by-second, minute-by-minute battle — with myself and with the decision to come to the championships. I chose to compete despite everything, even though I had many doubts. At times, I didn’t think I’d even be able to run. But I stepped on the track because I love this sport with all my heart. No matter the outcome — those results are mine. And that gives me the drive to return to my previous form and aim for even greater heights!
– What are your plans in the near future? Are there competitions you're preparing for?
– Right now, I can’t say anything specific about upcoming competitions. My main focus is recovering — healing my leg fully. Everything will depend on how that process goes. I’ve withdrawn from all international events, because I can’t let down the people who support me, who trust me, and want to see me perform. I understand that right now, I need to focus on something else.
In the photo: Olga Safronova during the 200m at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi.
