Two-time world champion in canoeing Inna Nedelkina - about sports, character, hobbies and aspirations

Not to give up after the coup in the boat at the start of the debut race – so began his way in the sport 13-year-old Inna Nedelkina. Nine years later, she won medals at the World and European Championships, training in any weather and a big goal – the Olympics.

The main inspiration at the beginning of the sports path was my uncle - Honored Master of Sports Canoe Coach Konstantin Shcherbak. He was the one who brought me into the sport at the age of 11, put me in a boat for the first time and taught me how to row. Since then, canoe has become a part of my life. My uncle instilled a love for this sport and passed on the knowledge that he once received himself. The first race - It was the Minsk city competitions at the House of rowing, the distance is two kilometers. I was 13 years old. I started, but after the first 200 meters I got out of the boat. However, there was a wild desire to get to the end and win. With the help of a coach, she got back into the boat and continued the race. Eventually she finished fourth. The impressions were contradictory: on the one hand, I did not take the prize, and on the other hand, I was very satisfied with myself. Despite the fact that it was September and the weather was cool, I finished the race and managed to overtake the girls who did not turn out like me. My greatest pride is the bronze medal of the World Cup 2026 in Poland in a canoe two at the Olympic distance of 500 meters, won together with Angelina Bardanovskaya. This is especially significant, since success at the Olympic distance gives you the opportunity to qualify for the Games in Los Angeles, and then prove your level and compete for medals there. Cold – The hardest thing to do is train in cold weather. When you have to go out into the water, you need to wear many layers of clothing, and it is not always comfortable. At the same time, I do not have unloved exercises: something new and interesting appears at each training session, so you always approach classes with passion, love and soul. Yes, sometimes it happens that you do not want anything at all and there is a desire just to lie at home for a day or two. But, frankly, a day later I want some activity again. If we talk about home training in Belarus, my favorite place for training is Brest. This city has its own atmosphere: it is very pleasant and friendly. There is also a good canal. In addition, in Brest equipped hall for strength training, and a sports base created specifically for rowers. You can practice on the water, run crosses and conduct bicycle training. Before the race, I try not to think about the upcoming race - to disconnect from unnecessary thoughts, not to worry and not to wind myself up so as not to burn out ahead of time. But as soon as I get to the starting line or hear the announcement of my race, everything changes: only the race remains in my head. At the start, of course, I feel a jitter, as well as a feeling that I need to move even faster, work even harder. And the moment the boat is on the starting line, time seems to stop: you see only the start and finish.

Support – I was lucky to meet a like-minded person who also plays sports and understands me. We found that wave and just support each other. My family, my mom and dad, are already used to my lifestyle and frequent travel. They understand and support my choice. And my friends are my teammates. You could call them my second family. Objectives - Every year to improve their results, show faster seconds and represent Belarus at international competitions, so that the anthem and the flag will be raised in honor of the victory. I would advise young athletes to believe in themselves, to listen to the coach’s advice and not to give up, even if something does not work out or goes wrong. It is important every time to get up and try again, endure and work. And then sooner or later everything will work out. The main superstition for me is that no one should step over my boat. I follow this very closely throughout the competition. I also have happy things that I wear on the day of the final race: socks, a sweatshirt or a shirt. Free time – I prefer active rest. One of my favorite hobbies is horse riding. I also like to spend time in nature, riding quad bikes. Another important hobby for me is travel. Meanwhile, the perfect weekend is time spent with the family at the same table. I like to share impressions, tell how the days went by, discuss business and just enjoy communication with loved ones.