Russian Olympic chief admits athletes lack time for London games

MOSCOW, May 20 (Itar-Tass) -- President of the Russian Olympic
Committee Alexander Zhukov admitted on Thursday athletes of the national
team lack time to properly prepare for the Summer Olympic Games in London
next year.
"We understand that an athlete needs eight years to prepare for
Olympic Games. It is impossible to do that in one year," Zhukov told Tass
after a meeting of the Russian Association of Summer Sports on Thursday.
However he insisted that "in London we can join the leading troika in
team rating if we succeed to bring the athletes to the peak of their
form," said Zhukov who is also a deputy prime minister.
"We need to win a minimum of 25 gold medals to join the troika of
world leaders at the Games," he said, but added the main task was to
prepare athletes for the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games.
"There are problems with reserves. Many good children's coaches quit
in the '90s. Now it is necessary to raise the prestige of the coaching
profession," Zhukov said.
At the meeting President of the Association Vladimir Lisin warned
athletes will not be properly ready for the London Games and called to
concentrate on preparations for subsequent summer games.
President of the Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics Irina Viner
sharply criticized sport authorities for complete confusion and lack of
financing to train young athletes.
"It is unclear who is responsible for what. What are the
responsibilities of the Olympic Committee and of the Sport Ministry?" she
asked.
"We have to ask regional authorities to give us money, we have to ask
gymnasts' parents to give us money," she complained emotionally adding the
plight is even worse in students' sport.
Zhukov actually agreed saying "our main task today is to develop
children's sports. There are problems with the reserve."