At the women's basketball world championship in Brazil that ended in Brazil, Ilona Korstin was recognized as the best player in the Russian national team. A call from Izvestia correspondent Dmitry Sergeyev found her in France, in her husband’s homeland, where a Russian woman spends her vacation.
Question: What do you remember above all about the past World Cup?
answer: For me, this championship was held under the sign of Russian psychology. Until a knife is stuck in our back, we will not start playing. We were sloppy up to the playoffs, and then there was nowhere to retreat, and we wound up. They proved it to everyone - they wrote off the Russian team early!
Q: During the tournament, the Russian national team was sometimes openly condemned ...
A: Of course, refereeing at the World Cup was clearly not in our favor. From the very beginning, the referees began to whistle against us. It’s enough to recall the quarter-finals. By the way, it rained during this game. And the roof in some places began to leak! It was just right for the audience to get umbrellas ... Water poured on the platform. And when the Spaniard slipped, the judges interrupted the meeting and returned the ball to the opponents - which was an obvious violation of the rules. It was worth it in a similar situation to fall Rakhmatulina - as if whistles were swallowed. In any case, no matter what, we managed to break into the finals and became the best of all European teams. And the Czechs and French women who beat us in the group dropped out of the fight for medals.
Q : Then America was put on its knees.
A: And still, I am very upset! Perhaps we will no longer have another chance to win the gold medals of the world championship. Of course, the victory over the Americans was very important for all of us. Each basketball player gave absolutely everything that she could. After the end of that match, I could not find the words to express my overwhelming emotions. But still...
Q : After a series of defeats, the national team was sharply criticized. Players were accused of violation of the regime, poor relationships within the team. So was it really?
A: Two articles published about us in one of the Russian sports newspapers were completely unfounded. Of course, all 12 national team players are not best friends. But this, in principle, cannot be! Everyone’s relations are smooth and friendly. As for alcohol, which some girls allegedly used, it’s a complete slander! Yes, we played badly, no one argues with that. But we were simply doused with mud ...
Q : Have you ever been to Brazil before?
A: This is my fifth visit to this country. I went with the junior team to the World Cup - then we took 5th place, twice came to tournaments with the French “Bourges”, then as part of the Russian team I was here on a two-week tour. Compared to previous years, Brazil is now experiencing an obvious rise. Before, wherever you look - sheer poverty and dirt. And now construction is going on everywhere, and the life of ordinary people is improving. By the way, everyone was very warm about our team. Residents here are kind and hospitable.
Q: There were husbands and friends with many members of the national team at the championship. Didn't that bother the rest of the girls?
A: No, of course. After all, the entire Russian delegation was sincerely rooting for us. Although, of course, it was felt that we were not playing in our country. When the Brazilian national team was on the site, the stands were crowded and supported their team simply fantastic! Rattle, drums - in general, a complete set. Brazil sincerely hoped to win first place.
Q: You once said that many companies without permission use your photos in their advertising activities. Did they apologize to you?
A: No one has called yet - I think, and will not call. Once again, I am convinced that the interest in women's basketball around the world is not too great. Of course, I would like our sport to be more popular. By the way, the European Federation declared 2006 the year of women's basketball. And I was officially proclaimed the face of women's basketball.
Q: And what are the responsibilities of Miss Basketball?
A: There are no special duties. This is just an honorary title. Sometimes I attend as an official at various major international tournaments. Several times took part in photo shoots, gave interviews. But, again, I constantly feel that interest in women's basketball is low. And I try my best to do everything to increase its popularity.