Elena Tretiakova

Started: She began competing at age 14 in Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation. (Athlete, 21 Sep 2015) Reason: "I was asked which sport I wanted to do and I replied, 'Athletics. And if not athletics, then nothing'. Other sports do not appeal to me." (Athlete, 28 Mar 2020) Awards: In 2020 she received the title of Master of Sport of International Class in the Russian Federation. (minsport.gov.ru, 30 Jul 2020) Additional Info: COACH SWITCH In late 2020 she was training on her own following the retirement of her coach Rif Barievich. She admitted that she was struggling with emotional exhaustion by early 2021, so she started working with a new coach, Natalya Merzlyakova. "In a Paralympic year, it's not advisable to train on your own. It can be overwhelming and lead to emotional exhaustion or burnout and by January [2021] I genuinely felt on the verge. You need a real mentor, who is nearby, evaluating your condition and directing you down the right path. That is a must for an athlete. Rif still helps with training plans and gives necessary advice and I am always on the phone with him, but you just can't imagine how hard it is to be an independent athlete. Now, with Natalya Merzlyakova, I am part of a training camp and represent Sputnik Sports Club. I feel a little calmer because I'm not alone anymore." (Instagram profile, 21 Mar 2021, Feb 18 2021)