“I want to remind the world, how strong our country is,” – future participant of the European Games 2023 Kateryna Bielkina

Katerina Bielkina is preparing to fight at the European Games. She is a medalist of the European (2016) and World (2021) Championships, and a winner of multiple WAKO Kickboxing World Cups. At the upcoming competitions in Krakow, the athlete representing Kyiv aims to demonstrate to the world both the beauty of kickboxing and the power of the Ukrainian nation:

— I am delighted that I’m going to perform at such competitions. We want to show ourselves as the best: to represent our country worthily, to show a high level of kickboxing that we have. And, of course, I want to remind everyone about how strong our country is.

Інтерв’ю українською: “Я можу йти вперед. Біль мене взагалі не зупиняє”, — ліцензіатка Європейських ігор 2023 Катерина Бєлкіна

As for the difference in preparation for these Olympic competitions, Kateryna notes that there are almost no differences. The only thing is that she finally has enough sparring partners:

— I would not say that it is very different overall. The preparation in Koncha-Zaspa was, as usual, intense. We trained together with the Youth kickboxing team of Ukraine WAKO. Luckily, there were a lot of girls with whom I was able to practice in pairs. It is not always possible. Maybe that’s what makes it different (laughs). For the first time, so many girls. And a lot of them have my stature (laughs).

At the meeting at the Olympic base, Kateryna Bielkina had trained by Volodymyr Yeromin and Vitaly Lee. Her coach — Stanislav Voytenko — is in the ZSU. But, as Katya assures, they have regular contact with him. In addition, coaches Serhii Petrenko and Oleksandr Pogrebniak and the sports hub of the EBSH provide her assistance in sports preparation for the EuroGames.

The European Olympic Games is a new peak in Kateryna’s career. In addition, this is also an opportunity for kickboxing to take its first steps into the Olympic family, says Kateryna. They differ from other tournaments. Not only this event is organized by the International Olympic Committee. But also a really acurate organization:

— In my opinion, Poland will have the first viewing of all kickboxing as a sport, so it could be included in the Olympics program in the future. Therefore, I think that this is a great, serious competition. It is palpable, even in the organization that I’ve observed. For example, how all information and materials are provided for us and how exactly everything is prepared. This is a very serious level. A month before the EuroGames, I’ve received the schedule for the competition. For me, this is a very specific indicator of high organization.

At the European Games, our athlete will perform in the full-contact section, weight category 52 kg. Unlike Pavel Zamyatin, who had to move to a heavier category to win a license for the EuroGames, Kateryna did not have to invent anything with weight. However, the search for her discipline in WAKO kickboxing lasted more than one year, as athlete said:

— Full contact is a discipline in which I have already performed for a couple of years. Before, I performed either in the K1 or in the low kick. But two years ago, I decided to try full contact. And I stayed here. I’ve got many interesting experiences and successes. And luckily, full contact will also be introduced at the European Games.

What are your strengths in full contact?

— I like boxing in full contact. In my opinion, this discipline is much more technical than the K1 and low kick. And I really like that this part of my work I can show at the moment. It is a hand workout. Because I have already had the legwork. It is quite specific. And, by the way, for the full contact discipline, my legwork is quite not typical. It’s similar to Muay-Thai.

Do you think that non-usual legwork and thorough handwork will help you win the tournament?

— Good question. I think my legwork will come in handy in these competitions. Because the technique I use allows me to do very powerful blows, it is technically different, which often comes as a surprise to my opponents. And it is much more difficult for them to resist these kicks. I hope to improve my handwork and footwork. And then I will have an advantage over my rivals.

And psychologically, are you stronger than others?

— Yes. And I am very patient.

Even to pain?

— Especially to pain (laughs). I can tolerate anything. I have a very strong patience. This skill is highly developed. I can go ahead. Pain does not stop me at all.

What would you like to wish participants of the European Games?

— I wish that our national team and kickboxing itself will show at the European Games how spectacular we are. I want to reveal all the beauty of kickboxing. So that more people will be interested in this sport. And in the future there would be opportunities to develop kickboxing both in different countries and in Ukraine in particular.

We remind the European Games will last from June 21 to July 2, 2023, in Krakow (Poland). The national kickboxing team of Ukraine WAKO will be represented by four athletes: Kateryna Bielkina, Pavel Zamyatin, Artem Melnyk, Tymur Brykov.

Oleksandra Kuznietsova, WAKO Ukraine