RUSSIA: OLYMPICS - People in Moscow say they are very glad about Russia's first gold medal at the London Olympics -- won in men's judo -- and hope for more victories

Record ID: 330971

  • Title: RUSSIA: OLYMPICS - People in Moscow say they are very glad about Russia's first gold medal at the London Olympics -- won in men's judo -- and hope for more victories
  • Date: 29th July 2012
  • Summary: MOSCOW, RUSSIA (JULY 29, 2012) (REUTERS) MANEZH SQUARE WITH KREMLIN IN BACKGROUND TOWERS WITH RUSSIAN IMPERIAL EAGLE AND RED STAR TRAFFIC ON SQUARE, KREMLIN IN BACKGROUND VARIOUS OF SHOP WINDOW WITH SPORTSWEAR AND STICKER ON WINDOW READING IN ENGLISH 'RUSSIAN OLYMPIC TEAM' (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MUSCOVITE AND PSYCHOLOGIST 'DMITRY' SAYING: "I think Russia has great traditions in wrestling and it's great that our people become Olympic champions and especially that Arsen (Galstyan) is a patriot and instantly dedicated his victory to his country and those people who suffered (from recent floods) in the town of Krymsk. It's great, he gives an excellent example to the people, to other athletes" PEOPLE ON STREET (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MUSCOVITE AND SALES MANAGER LIDIYA SAYING: "To be honest, I can't remember the name of the one who won because I watched TV quite sporadically, but I am extremely happy about him, I am very glad because the Olympics is our chance to win and to show our strength to the whole world" PEOPLE ON STREET 9 (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MUSCOVITE AND SALES MANAGER DAMAR SAYING: "I think Russia is generally strong in sports. That's why I think they will be somewhere at the top anyway" PEOPLE ON STREET (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) MUSCOVITE AND OFFICE MANAGER NURIYA SAYING: "Every citizen always cheers for his compatriots. If they win gold I am very happy about them, but even when they don't win I am glad anyway because our countrymen are participating in the Olympics" PEOPLE ON STREET (SOUNDBITE) (Russian) ENGINEER FROM YEKATERINBURG, SERGEI, SAYING: "They have weak chances (for overall win). I watched today's news and it was clear at once how many gold medals the Chinese have won and what our athletes have won" (QUESTION 'WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?') "In China, sports is supported by the state as far as I can judge and there is no support of this kind in our country I think" PEDESTRIANS VARIOUS OF STICKER ON SHOP WINDOW READING 'PRIVET! LONDON' KREMLIN
  • Embargoed: 13th August 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Russian Federation
  • Country: Russia
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA5AW9IIIG1GTE0CE3P2YLHRE6T
  • Story Text: Russians on Moscow's streets were glad for their Olympic team on Sunday (July 29) and wished them more victories after Arsen Galstyan won the country's first gold medal at the London games, in men's judo.
    It was also Russia's first judo gold since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
    Galstyan dedicated his win to people affected by floods around Krymsk. Flash floods in July killed 171 people and damaged more than 4,000 homes in the region of southern Russia from which he hails.
    Muscovites praised his victory and his attitude.

    "I think Russia has great traditions in wrestling and it's great that our people become Olympic champions and especially that Arsen is a patriot and instantly dedicated his victory to his country and those people who suffered in the town of Krymsk. It's great, he gives an excellent example to the people, to other athletes," said Dmitry, a psychologist in Moscow.

    "To be honest, I can't remember the name of the one who won because I watched TV quite sporadically, but I am extremely happy about him, I am very glad at all because the Olympics is our chance to win and to show our strength to the whole world," said sales manager Muscovite Lidiya.
    Some others said they were sure the Russian Olympic team would prove to be among the best by the end of the games.

    "I think Russia is generally strong in sports. That's why I think they will be somewhere at the top anyway," said Damar, another sales manager.
    Some said they were happy just about Russia's participation in the games.
    Every citizen always cheers for his compatriots. If they win gold I am very happy about them, but even when they don't win I am glad anyway because our countrymen are participating in the Olympics," commented office manager Nuriya from Moscow.
    Some were, however, sceptical about Russia's chances to be among the top three or four best national teams at the Olympics.

    "They have weak chances. I watched today's news and it was clear at once how many gold medals the Chinese have won and what our athletes have won," said Sergei, an engineer from Yekaterinburg adding: "In China sports is supported by the state as far as I can judge and there is no support of this kind in our country in my opinion."
    VOXPOPS
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