EMTBOC 2015: Meet Svetlana Poverina (Russia)

Name: Svetlana Poverina Age: 22 Home location: Moscow, Russia Profession and educational background: Athlete. Student at the Moscow Sports Institute. Years in sport of any kind: I've been doing Orienteering since I was a child, since my parents were, also, athletes. Years in MTBO: I've started riding a bike at the age of 11-12 years. What got you started: My parents. IOF World Ranking: 2nd position MTBO World Cup 2015: 3rd position

What is your best moment in MTB Orienteering so far?

- My best moments in the MTBO are all my victories. I cannot single out one particular, they are all good.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

- My inspiration comes from my dream of winning, which I want to make real.

What are your goals for the European Championships, in Portugal?

- My ultimate goal is to achieve the best place possible, but now with my studying I cannot fully concentrate on the races at Portugal.

What is your biggest challenge in the competition, and how do you intend to manage it?

- The most complex challenge it to keep my thinking and running synchronized. Sometimes I run too fast and don't always think correctly and, because of it, I make mistakes.

What would be your ultimate achievement for the season?

- Let us wait and see.

Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?

- Faster, higher, stronger!

[Photo credits: Anastasia Skopinskaya]

Joaquim Margarido