Vano Grikurov, one of the best coaches of world athletic, will head Georgian team from the next season again. After a 2-year pause, the specialist who formed Kakhi Kakhiashvili, Giorgi Asanidze, Simon Koletsky and Arsen Kasabiev as stars, is returning from Poland to his homeland.
Today, Grikurov made this statement at the congress of Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. Before he made the main statement, he explained why he decided to leave active sport in 2008. Vano Grikurov named honourable reason in all comments that he made then.
"Georgian athletic was in a difficult situation in 2001. I chose one sportsman from Tskhinvali and I decided to help him to achieve success. I took him to Poland so that he could have trained in good conditions. He lived in my house. In spite of that, Polish people did not welcome my initiative, I did not step back. Time was passing and Arsen Kasabiev was achieving success slowly. Beijing Olympic Games 2008 was the main goal for me. The time has come. Arsen was on such form that he was ready to win Olympic Games. I am sure, no one would beat him if not one terrible reason. After arriving in China, the was broke out in Georgia. It was a great tragedy for all members of Georgian delegation. Especially for Arsen Kasabiev whose parents were in Tskhinvali and was nervous. Tskhinvali was being bombed and I know how Arsen was feeling because I was in the same situation. My father was in epicenter of the war and I knew nothing about him. This stress forgot us sport. We participated in Olympic Games but we could not show result. To tell the truth, I was not surprised. After Olympiad, Arsen Kasabiev decided to transfer to Polish team. When he told me this, I was shocked. Everything was destroyed what I have done for 9 years. This effected on me. I left the sport. I thought I was old and I could not work hard anymore. I named tiredness as the reason of my resignation. I need 2 years to understand that leaving sport would not do good to me. I decided to come back. My only will is to introduce Georgian athletic to world with new stars" - stated Vano Grikurov.
Agreement between the coach and the management of Georgian Athletic Federation will be signed officially in the near future.


Otar Maglakelidze