Ural Federal University: University Students and Graduates Successfully Performed at the Tokyo Olympics

In Tokyo, the 2020 Summer Olympics have come to an end. Five students from Ural Federal University took part in them: David Belyavsky, Anastasia Tatareva, Darya Ustinova, Aleksandra Maksakova and Nigara Shahin.

David Belyavsky, a graduate of the Institute of Physical Culture, Sports and Youth Policy, participated in the artistic gymnastics competition and won a gold medal in the team event. The gymnast also took fourth place in the finals on the pommel horse (he was 0.067 points short of the podium) and fifth place in the parallel bars event.

Anastasia Tatareva graduated with a bachelor’s degree in services and is currently studying for her master’s degree in physical rehabilitation. She was a member of the rhythmic gymnastics team at the Olympics and together with the team won silver in the group all-around.

She created her own international tournament “For the Prizes of Olympic Champion Anastasia Tatareva”, which served as the basis for her thesis on “Organizing and Holding an Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament.

“As her supervisor, I can say that Nastya is a very hardworking girl who can concentrate and complete a task in a short time, has willpower and the spirit of a champion. With all that, she is not arrogant, but rather sociable, responsive and very charming,” says Nina Serova, head of the Department of Service and Health Technology.

Darya Ustinova, Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, took part in the preliminary heats of the 200m, but unfortunately, she failed to reach the semifinals and ended up in 22nd place. At the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro the athlete came in fourth. She was awarded the title “Honored Master of Sports of Russia” during her studies.

“The topic of Daria’s graduate qualification work – “Influence of pandemic on motivation and psychological state of athletes” – is very relevant. Working on it, Daria tested 21 high-class athletes, including eight members of the Olympic team. She defended her thesis with excellent marks”, says Victor Gail, Head of the Department of the Theory of Physical Culture.

Aleksandra Maksakova, a bachelor’s student in the Physical Education program, performed at the Olympics in equestrian sport with her horse named Boengels. The girl took 12th place in the team competition and 10th place in the individual dressage.Before equestrian sports Aleksandra was a rhythmic gymnast and a swimmer. On Aleksandra Maksakova’s account multiple victories in international tournaments, participation in six European youth championships. In 2015 she was the leader of the world ranking in dressage among juniors. And in 2017 she became the absolute winner of the Russian Championship. Currently she ranks 13th in the world ranking in dressage for U25 riders.

Nigara Shahin, a graduate of the Institute of Public Administration (now Graduate School of Economics and Management) of Ural Federal University from Afghanistan, represented the refugee judo team at the Olympics and participated in the competition among women up to 70 kg. The girl graduated with honors from the Faculty of International Trade. The graduate chose the topic of women’s entrepreneurship in the Republic of Afghanistan, which was close to her heart. During her studies the athlete successfully combined scientific and sports activities, was involved in the student sports team, took part in the Erasmus+ program, as well as spoke at international conferences in Russia and Kazakhstan.

“If you ask any of her fellow students, they will tell you that Nigara is a true friend who will always help and offer a shoulder to lean on. She is very goal-oriented and persistent, and she dedicates all her time to her studies and judo,” stressed Sergey Polbitsyn, head of the International Trade and Entrepreneurship educational program.

Nigara calls herself a “fighter against prejudice,” and she wants to be a role model for other girls.