Dmitry Sautin: This has been one of the best Championships ever

 – Being a Kazan 2015 Ambassador, what do you do to promote a healthy lifestyle?

– In Kazan and in Moscow, I do my best to encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle. The more people do sports, the healthier our nation will be. I hope it will be just the same way it was during the Soviet Union! At least here, in the Republic of Tatarstan, you are going to have a healthy lifestyle boom. So many parents will start enrolling their kids in sports clubs after these World Championships.

– The Masters tournament is in its full swing right now. Have you thought about taking part in it?

– Of course I have. Since I am heading to another tournament where a high diver Artem Silchenko is going to perform I won’t compete in the Masters this time. But our team is quite strong; my friends are going to participate here in Kazan.  

– What role has sport played in your life?

– Sport first of all is a habit acquired during the upbringing. And it even cannot be compared to army service. I’ve dedicated 30 years to sport and I believe a coach is the one who plays a key role in an athlete’s becoming. Tatiana Starodubtseva was like a mother to me, I owe her so much. I feel sorry she has passed away but this is life.

– You are the only person to have ever won eight Olympic medals in diving. How do you feel about it?

– Athletes are ordinary people, and of course it is nice to hear when people start talking about your achievements and victories. I put my heart into the sport and have been into sport my entire life. I still train. My children do sports, too.

– Do you want your kids to follow in your footsteps?

– Yes, I do, but maybe not so professionally. I think they will have many other offers apart from diving.

– You were in Kazan for two and a half weeks. What is the impression of your stay?

– Every day was filled with bright emotions. One day my friends and I went for a trip to a lake in the Republic of Mari El that neighbours with Tatarstan. The place is so beautiful, I’m glad I have visited it. Its picturesque views reminded me of Mexico.

– What do you think about the organisation of the FINA World Championships?

– These were the unforgettable World Championships. I think that all the citizens and visitors of Kazan will remember it as one of the summer’s highlights. This is one of the best Championships in my life. Believe me I have seen many of them. Everything was first-class! I was happy for our athletes, for divers who still have many Championships and Olympic Games ahead of them.

Press Office of Organising Committee for 16th FINA World Championships