“For kickboxing, this is the first European Games, and I will participate in it” – European Games 2023 licensee Timur Brykov

Timur Brykov from Dnipro is the third licensee from Ukraine in the kickboxing competition at the 2023 European Olympic Games. The athlete is trained by the experienced Kostyantyn Demoretskyi and Volodymyr Akimov. Timur will represent our country in the full-contact discipline (category 75 kg). The athlete has been competing in kickboxing for literally two years, but during this time he managed to become the medalist of the European Championship, and win the national championship in a new weight for himself:

— I switched to kickboxing in 2021, and since then I have been performing in full contact. I used to do boxing. But I decided to try kickboxing. I immediately liked full contact. Because there is a need for precise technique, and a lot of attention is consentrated on hand workout. This is why I chose full contact. Moreover, this discipline can become Olympic.

Interview in Ukrainian: “Для кікбоксингу — це перші Європейські ігри, і я братиму в них участь” — ліцензіат European Games 2023 Тимур Бриков

Is the preparation for the EuroGames different from the preparation for the World Championship?

— Yes, we start training exactly at the time when there will be fights in the tournament – at noon. We also added more diverse work on the legs: on acceleration, endurance. We are currently focusing on weight loss.

Do you need to lose a lot?

— Yes, quite a lot. Almost 7 kg. I am currently moving to a different weight: at the Ukrainian Championship and the World Cup I won 81 kg. However, I won a license for the European Games in the weight of 75 kg. Therefore, it is necessary to lose the weight for the last time (laughs).

I know it’s not easy, especially since so much weight has to be lost.

— This is the most difficult part of my training. Not even a fight directly, but preparation for weight losing. This is a strict diet. First a lot of water, then not much water at all. No sweets, flour, milk. A lot of dietary changes.

When do you begin the weight-losing before the competition?

— I would like to start it in a month, but I manage to start it in three weeks. This is for gradual weight loss, so as not to stress the body.

You have not been kickboxing for a long time, was it difficult to win a license for the EuroGames in a new sport for you?

— I had to adapt to footwork. For example, we can make undercuts that are very inconspicuous. It was in this component that I initially had problems. But now I’m used to it, I started kicking by legs more. That’s why I began to like performing and kicking by myself (laughs).

In your opinion, what is the difference between the Eurogames and other WAKO kickboxing competitions?

— First of all, because they are held once every four years. Must be licensed to participate. We still have to fight for the right to perform at these competitions. And it is prestigious that all Olympic sports will be represented at the EuroGames, including WAKO kickboxing.

For what purpose are you going to the European Games 2023?

— For victory and some mark in history. After all, these are the first European Games for kickboxing, and I will take part in it.

What are your strengths that will help you win?

— Probably my intelligence and self-sacrifice in training.

What do you wish our team at the Eurogames?

— First of all, to enjoy the fights. And become one step closer to the Olympic Games.

Is the Olympic Games your main goal?

— Yes, it is.

Remind, four kickboxers will perform at the 2023 European Olympic Games in Poland: Timur Brykov, Kateryna Belkina, and Artem Melnyk will perform in full contact, and Pavel Zamyatin will represent Ukraine in light contact.

Oleksandra Kuznietsova, WAKO Ukraine