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Olesya VladykinaRussian swimmer
Date of Birth: 14.02.1988
Country:  Russia |
Content:
Biography of Olesya Vladikina
Olesya Yuryevna Vladikina, a Russian swimmer, was born in Moscow in 1988, fittingly on Valentine's Day. Despite initially being afraid of water, Olesya's parents took her to a swimming pool to conquer her fear. This experience sparked her love for swimming, and she dedicated ten years of her childhood to the sport.
In addition to swimming, Olesya also pursued music and ballet. When it was time for her to attend university, she enrolled in the Moscow State University of Railway Engineering. By that time, she had already achieved the title of Master of Sports, although it had not come easy for her. Olesya always strived for perfection, feeling that she was just a fraction away from her goals. However, she eventually earned the title and decided to focus on her studies, leaving her swimming career behind.
After university, Olesya worked at the fashionable boutique "Armani" in the Central Universal Department Store (TsUM), immersing herself in the world of fashion. On her birthday, February 14, 2008, Olesya found herself in Thailand with her best friend, Alexandra, and two other girls. They were traveling on a double-decker tourist bus, speeding at 120 km/h. When an accident occurred, Olesya was initially unaware of what was happening. When she regained consciousness, she realized that something was wrong with her left arm. It was later revealed that she had lost both arms in the accident.
During her recovery, Olesya found the will to live and told herself that the worst had not happened – she had not died. Unfortunately, her best friend, Alexandra, did not survive the accident. Motivated to return to sports, Olesya received a phone call from her former coach while still in the hospital in Thailand. Just one week after returning home, she was back in the pool. In 2008, Olesya became a member of the Russian Paralympic team, and in China, she won a gold medal and set a world record in the 100-meter breaststroke.
Olesya credited the Olympics for bringing her back to life. Despite the recent tragedy, she stood on the podium with a gold Paralympic medal, overwhelmed with happiness. She dedicated her victory to her late friend, Alexandra, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in China. In 2012, Olesya won another gold medal and set a new record in the 100-meter breaststroke at the London Paralympic Games. She also won a bronze medal in the 100-meter backstroke.
In 2014, Olesya Vladikina became an Ambassador for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. She is a recipient of the "Return to Life" award from the Russian Paralympic Committee and has received numerous other government honors, including the Order of Honor and the Order of Friendship. Currently, Olesya continues her athletic career, works at the Moscow Orienteering Federation, and serves as a member of the Public Chamber of Moscow.
Summary
Olesya Vladikina, a Russian Paralympic swimmer, overcame her fear of water as a child and went on to have a successful career in swimming. Despite losing both arms in a tragic accident, she found the will to live and returned to the sport she loved. Olesya achieved remarkable success, winning multiple gold medals and setting world records at the Paralympic Games. She continues to inspire others through her athletic achievements and involvement in various organizations.
