Orshanka won the competition after a serious injury
For several years now, in Orsha, at the Vitebsk Regional Olympic Reserve Center for rowing sports, the guys have been mastering kayaking and canoeing. Among them is the determined Anna Zilenkova, who, despite her young age, has already achieved serious success.
Anna was born in Orsha. She started rowing in 2019 and has been training hard ever since. By 2022, she was included in the roster of the Belarusian national team for kayaking and canoeing.
The path to victory has not always been smooth. In February of this year, Anya suffered a serious injury — a fracture of her leg in three places. After surgery in Vitebsk and rehabilitation at the Orsha Sports Dispensary, she was able not only to return to training but also to show excellent results. At the Republican Spartakiad of the Children's and Youth Sports School in Minsk, where 33 teams gathered, Anna won bronze and silver, and her contribution helped the team secure third place in the overall standings.
But for her coach – a first-category teacher Andrei Saltanov it is important not only to achieve sports mastery. He helps his students develop character, teaches them to overcome difficulties and believe in themselves. Anna is a vivid example of how perseverance and the support of a mentor lead to high results.
Now Anya continues her training and sets new goals for herself. Her story inspires young athletes in Orsha, proving that even after serious challenges, one can return to their favorite activity and achieve success!Alina KOVALKOVA,
first-year student of the Faculty of Journalism at BSU.
Photo by the author.