In two days, several thousand fans have read the article with a tabloid-like title “Mazurenko beaten in Moscow.” It’s my fault! Sitting next to Igor I heard Irina giving an account of the situation at the competition. I felt tempted to create a sensation. On Sunday, I decided to call and talk to Irina. It was only then that I realized that creating a sensation out of the whole incident was not tactful of me. Sometimes, even an old man’s fantasy can run riot. Irina talked about the whole incident reluctantly and sadly. It came to her as a shock. She kept repeating that she had never experienced such a situation in her career. At the end of the competition, when there was nobody around, Irina’s opponent approached her and apologized. Luiza Gobueva said she had lost her nerves and was sorry.

I’ve already forgiven her - said Irina.

I’m really sorry that it all happened in front of the audience, officials and other competitors. Besides, after the whole situation there was no awards ceremony in my category. I was very sorry about that. Of course I got my medal, but I really wished I had stood on the podium, it’s a special moment – said Irina.

Well, enough of these sensational reports.

Recently we celebrated WOMEN'S DAY. I wish all the best to all the women, athletes in particular! May you be a model and inspiration for us, guys. We love you for that…

One more thing. I think I wrote about it, but let’s sort it out once again. Vladimir Mazurenko is an athlete and a coach. He’s not related to Igor. When Vladimir met Irina Kartseva she was a competitor. It happened a few years ago. They got married and Kartseva took her husband’s name - Mazurenko. That’s the whole secret.

PeSzy