One of the Russian internet-forum spread information about a star of Russian Judo National Team Aleksandr Mikhailin, who had compulsory long-standing pause that he returns international tatami at Tbilisi World Cup. This information has not been confirmed officially.
Last year, in spring three times World and 5 times European champion injured at European Championship. Rehabilitation process lasted for 3 months, then he returned to “Sambo-70” and started individual training. Since autumn he competes at low-class tournaments quite successfully. At the end of December he participated in Russian Championship, but he could not become champion, managed to win only silver medal.
“I missed about half a year. The main problem is that due to long-standing compulsory pause I lost feeling of tatami. That’s why I need tournaments and I will try not to refuse participate at any kind of competition. I hope the leadership of the club will help me. I am ready to take part at two tournaments in a month. My dream is to participate at London Olympic Games in 2012. I do not want to miss the chance. Very important season is ahead and I have to gain as much points as possible”-stated Mikhailin in a talk with one of the sport publications.
Mikhailin has never participated in Olympic Games. He was better condition than his opponent Tamerlan Tmenov, but could not manage to beat him before Olympic Games. Tmenov finished his career but it does not make easier to achieve goal for Mikhailin. Russian championship also proved it. Mikhailin lost with Andrey Volkov at Russian Championship.
Georgian Judo Federtaion has informed “World Sport” that Russian Judo Federation has already sent list of those Judokas who will compete at Tbilisi International tournament and there is not Mikhailin’s name in this list. But there is left 3 weeks till the tournament. But Esio Gamba Italian coach of Russian National Judo Team will make several changes before the tournament, so it is quite possible Mikhailin to be listed in National Team for this tournament.
According to world rating Aleksandr Mikhailin is on the 29th place with 278 points. Georgian Judokas Zviad Khanjaliashvili (21st place, 348 points) and Adam Okruashvili (26th place, 308 points) are ahead him. Lasha Gujejiani is 2 places behind him with 18 rating points. It is noteworthy that Gujejiani and Khanjaleishvili beat Russian star several times.
Otar Maglakelidze
