Olympic Champion Defends Diploma Project at ASU

Anna Vyakhireva, a famous Russian handball player, graduated from Astrakhan State University a few days ago. The girl says our University supported her a lot during her studies.

Anna chose psychological and pedagogical education as her specialty; her diploma project concerns formation of the appropriate climate in a sports team. Shortly before the defense of her project, she answered our questions and shared her plans.

– How did you come to the worlds of sports?

– My Dad is an Honored Coach of Russia, so I didn’t have to make a difficult choice. Besides, after my first training, I liked it so much that nobody could drive me out of the gym.

– Journalists call you “a handball Messi”. What do you think of that?

– I perceive that calmly. Of course, that’s pleasant, but nothing out of the way.

– What do you regard as your best achievement?

– Now that’s a golden Olympic medal. If I defend my diploma, that’ll be a new achievement.

– Did our University back you when you studied?

– More than that. I’m really grateful to everyone who helped me over these four years! Many thanks to Professor Galina Palatkina, Dean of our Department of Pedagogics & Social Work, Dr. Regina Smirnova, Head of our Chair of Social Pedagogics & Psychology, and many other professors.

– In your opinion, how important is the role of universities in the development of sports in Russia? Many sportspeople are students.

– It’s very important. Even the theme of my diploma paper says for itself. Without the knowledge that ASU provides, it’s very difficult to be a coach, a psychologist, and even a player.

– Please tell us about your short-term sports plans.

– Now my main goal is the Champions League. The club where I work now is striving to achieve this goal. We also passed thru the selection stage for the World Cup. The Olympic Games are coming near, too.

Background: Anna Vyakhireva is a player of the Rostov-on-Don handball club; she also plays in the Russian national team. She is an Honored Master of Sports of Russia and a 2016 Olympic Champion. For her outstanding achievements in Rio de Janeiro and for her will to gain a victory, she has been decorated with the Order of Friendship.