What’s your opinion about the recent World Championships?

Aleksander Filimonov: I’ve seen many European and world championships since 1991, and I’m happy to say that the championship organized by Igor Mazurenko this year was definitely the best! The best in all respects! As far as the number of countries taking part in the event as well as the number of competitors are concerned, this was a record championship. Also the sports level of the show was the highest ever. I really liked the way the event was organized, too. The setting, lighting and all the other elements made the competition a success! In my opinion, the championship can be compared to UFC galas and professional boxing! A big stage, decorations and lighting were impressive! At first glance, it appeared no expense was spared in lighting, sound and TV broadcast by the organizer. It was impressive!

Are you satisfied with the results achieved by the Russian team?

Aleksander Filimonov: As always, our national team fulfilled the plan and were the best. The credit for this success goes to the team’s coaches, club coaches and the presidents of regional federations.

Do you think the referees did good job?

Aleksander Filimonov: It’s always hard to judge their work. In my opinion, the referees deserve a B+ (the scale is 2-5 [ed.]). We should remember that the composition of the WAF referees panel changed significantly after the WAF election. New referees joined the panel and new requirements for refereeing were introduced. Of course, the referees made some mistakes during the championship, but on the whole, everything ran smoothly.

What are the most significant decisions made during the WAF congress, which took place prior to the championship?

Aleksander Filimonov: The congress was tough and lasted long. The atmosphere was tense. Despite that the outcome of the meeting was positive! We managed to sort out many routine problems. Thanks to that we’ll be able to focus on important issues in future, such as our membership in SPORTACCORD. A nasty aftertaste was left by Fred Roy’s speech, the former WAF president. He ended his career as the head of the largest international armwrestling federation, with an annual budget of $ 60,000, under a cloud of suspicion. Roy is suspected of misappropriating the WAF money…It’s stupid, embarrassing and funny at the same time.

The most important question is what future awaits the disabled athletes? What decisions concerning them were made at the congress? 

Aleksander Filimonov: The WAF management decided that from September 6, 2013 a new organization  - «Международная федерация армспорта лиц с ограниченными возможностями здоровья» - International Armsport Federation for Persons with Physical Disabilities (IAFPPD) will be responsible for the development of armwrestling among disabled athletes. From now on, WAF will be a collective member of IAFPPD. All European and world championships for the disabled will be held separately under the aegis of IAFPPD. The issue of developing armwrestling among the disabled is so important that we will certainly direct much focus towards it. You can read more about this topic on the official website of IAFPPD.

Thank you very much for the conversation.

Aleksander Filimonov: Best regards to the readers.

PeSzy