In the latest episode of the World Athletics Inside Track podcast, Ukraine's 2008 Olympic heptathlon champion Natalya Dobrynska reflects on the peak of her career and talks about life in her new role as a member of the World Athletics Council.
In conversation with former track and field rival Kelly Sotherton, Dobrynska reminisces about the indoor pentathlon world record she set when she won the 2012 world indoor title. She also discusses some of the challenges facing Ukraine's up-and-coming athletes, while also outlining some of the innovations she hopes to see in the sport.
On how it felt to win the Olympic heptathlon title:
“In those days, it was always hard to predict who would win because we were all really close and it felt as if we were all in a row. But I always just focused on myself. “I was trying to do everything, about my craft, about what I needed to do, and no one else around me mattered.
“When I crossed the finish line, I understood what it meant. But at the end of the heptathlon, you don't want to think about anything, you don't want to do anything.”
On her memories of breaking the indoor world record:
“In my memory, it seems like yesterday. I remember everything about that competition. I broke the record in Istanbul, but I returned to the same venue last year for the European Indoor Championships and broke my record. (by Nafi Thiam) But it had been going on for 11 years.
“After winning the Olympic title in 2008, I struggled with motivation and wanted to retire. However, at the beginning of 2012 I realized that this might be my last chance to do something special in this sport. So that's what motivated me to go to the World Championships.'' ”
On how she was able to promote support for Ukraine in her role as a member of the World Athletics Council:
“These are very difficult and terrible times. You can imagine how we feel. We want our children to experience a good education and participate in sports. World Athletics' kids athletic programs are available in many countries. Children can compete and have fun in sports in small cities in Ukraine.
“Despite the war, we are still trying to hold many competitions in Ukraine. We cannot stop this sport, otherwise we will lose the next generation of athletes.”
On the innovations she hopes to see in athletics:
“I feel like the innovative side of our sport is moving quickly. I recently heard about an idea that was proposed in basketball, where players would play on a giant screen and then various things would It's projected onto a screen to engage the audience. Perhaps in a few years, that technology will be used in athletics, with on-track graphics providing analysis to the audience.”
The latest series of Inside Track podcasts launched earlier this year, and in each episode, two-time Olympic heptathlon bronze medalist Kelly Sotherton and 2014 world indoor 60m champion Richard Quilty feature a host of athletes from across the track and field world. I ask you a question. A big name and a beloved person.
Episodes are available through all the usual podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sport Social Podcast Network. Fans can also watch the show on his website at World Athletics.
With a lineup of presenters that evolves from event to event, the podcast will be on board when the World Athletics Relays return to the Bahamas in May. Later this year, the all-star cast will react to the events of the Paris Olympics.
Find it all on Inside Track.
