Any Olympics are a celebration of sport, while participation and medals - a major victory, says Olympic champion Olga Rypakova

Multiple Olympic medalist and 2012 London Olympics gold medalist Olga Rypakova shared her views on the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris as well as the performance of Team Kazakhstan at them, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.

In a talk with a Kazinform News Agency correspondent, Rypakova pointed out that the participation in the Olympic Games itself is a major victory for athletes.

I’m convinced that each athlete representing his/her country at Olympics does his utmost. One thing is to have a dream about going to Olympics, but to earn a berth and go through all of the challenges is another thing. All of us have difficulties whether injuries, training issues or personal difficulties. Challenges are inevitable on a road to a bigger goal. Having talked with athletes representing different sports, I understood everyone had their own difficulties. One of the principles of Olympic movement is that it's not winning but participation which is the key. Participation is itself is a major victory for athletes. Performing in Olympics is worth a lot. That’s why I believe that each athlete representing our country at the major competitions deserves the utmost respect whatever the result is, says the Olympic champion.

She went on to add that any Olympic Games are a celebration of sport, which is a huge work for athletes and workers and a spectacular event for fans.

Any Olympics are the main cerebration of sport. The atmosphere here once again depends on the angle. It’s a huge work for athletes, coaches, committee and directorate staff, especially for athletes as well as a celebration for fans, nationals striving for nice rivalry and excitement. It’s important for an athlete to approach Olympics positively and regard them as a celebration and be the main heroes. It’s necessary to enjoy performing at competitions, as this is the moment for which every athlete works hard for many years. That’s why I believe that this is primarily a celebration of sport, and that everything depends on an attitude, says Rypakova.

2012 London Olympics gold medalist Olga Rypakova also noted some moments in the performance of Kazakhstani athletes at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, that made the biggest impression on her.

Of course, gold won by Yeldos Smetov, silver by Nariman Kurbanov and bronze by Gusman Kyrgyzbayev are an indescribable feeling of pride for our country… I believe that each medal won deserves great respect and will encourage those athletes still competing at the Olympics, she said, expressing her hope for more victories.

Kazakhstan has so far won four medals, including one gold, one silver and two bronze ones, at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are set to run from July 26 through August 11. The Games brought together 10,500 athletes from 206 national Olympic committees. Team Kazakhstan is represented by 80 athletes in 25 sports.