Gia Natsvlishvili, president of Georgian National Olympic Committee, estimated competition of Georgian sportsmen and sportswomen in London Olympics:
“Overall, I am satisfied with our athletes. We won seven medals (1 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze) which are unprecedented number for Georgia. I think, we could have achieved better result but I will estimate our competition well. It is worth mentioning that 27 from 35 sportsmen were debutants. I am sure these young sportsmen will compete on high level at the next Olympics. By the way, we suppose 7-8 medals before leaving for London but we expected more from Varlam Liparteliani and Betkil Shukvani. We will prepare for Brazilian Olympics better. We will have better result in weightlifting, archery, fencing, athletics and swimming. I was surprised with competition of our athletes in the mentioned sports. We must strengthen in water polo, basketball and sevens rugby. I want to inform you that Giorgi Aleksidze, president of Judo Federation, is going to take time-out and will not participate in presidential elections. It is not known who will take his position. We want to appoint Peter Seisenbacher, head coach of judo team, as an instructor of judo development program. As for accusation of Betkil Shukvani, it is nonsense. If Shukvani had though less about policy and “Georgian Dream”, he would have achieved better result in London. If he appeals decision of referees, the result will be the same. As for boxer Merab Turkadze, in the evening he had comfortable weight but after supper he gained 700gm. Though, he could not participate in London Olympics because of knee injury”.
Lasha Shavdatuashvili (judo 66kg, gold medal): “Of course, I am happy with my victory at the Olympics. I want to thank everyone for their support”.
Revaz Lashkhi (Greco-Roman wrestling 60kg, silver medal): “Davit Modzmanashvili did his best against Russian opponent in semifinal and won silver medal. As for my wrestling, I wanted to achieve the best result but I am young and I will try to become champion at Olympics 2016”.
Davit Modzmanashvili (freestyle wrestling 120kg, silver medal): “Revaz Lashkhi and I were together at the meeting and in London. We cheered each other cup. Thanks to god, I did not return from the Olympics without medal. It would have been better if I had won gold. We will prepare for Brazilian Olympics better and I hope, we will achieve better result”.
Davit Marsagishvili (freestyle wrestling 84kg, bronze medal): “I cannot say anything about failure in ¼ final because I am still in shock. I lost to such sportsman who I could have beaten easily. I really do not know what happened. Perhaps, different psychological preparation is necessary for the Olympics. London Olympics gave me a great experience which will help me at Olympics 2016”.
Vladimer Khinchegashvili (freestyle wrestling 55kg, silver medal): “I consider my result as success because Olympic silver medal means a lot. Though, I am not satisfied with my wrestling in final. I could have done more. Perhaps, I was lack of experience”.
Rusudan Chumburidze
