Mykyta Nesterenko - a 16-year-old throwing sensation 12. November 07

Mykyta Nesterenko & Gerd Kanters manager Raul Rebane in Yalta

While Managers, Coaches and Ukrainian athletic fans sit with baited breath and wait for the next great performance from Mykyta Nesterenko, the 16-year-old throwing sensation just sleeps, eats his favourite food and throws the Discus.

A typical 16-year-old, Mykyta's passions have been as fleeting as the wind. A gifted all-round sportsman his first glimmer of potential was on the basketball court, but this was soon replaced for the sprints track, and as of last year, the 6ft 6", 15 stone youngster, has got Ukrainian athletic fans whispering that he will be the next big thing in World Throwing.

His 2007 season saw Nesterenko claim the World Youth Discus record and the Ukrainian Youth Shot Put record twice, he finished his 2007 season ranked 44 in the World and first in the World Youth category.

Lena Slobodyanuk from Ukranian Athletics Federation took some time to catch up with this gifted young athlete at his training camp in Yalta...



You have had a very busy year, are you now getting some time to relax?

I love to be at the training camp, especially when all of the competitions have ended. It is possible to have a rest, and restore my energy.


And what about your studies?

I finished school this year, so now I can focus on my sports, but I will also be undertaking a distance learning degree in Economics.


Is this your choice or do you have people guiding you?
I listened to recommendations from the people around me, but I also took a hard look at my prospects, and if I am serious about a future career in athletics then I have to hone my skills and techniques in the Shot Put and Discus - perfection does not have a limit.


What is your training schedule like?
Like most of the people I train with, I have a precise schedule of training hours, but I have a lot of independence, for example I am often having people round and I cook them lunch.


Do you enjoy the independence?
I am very glad that I can earn my own money instead of asking for pocket money from parents!!


The Olympic Festival that you won recently will soon be transformed into the Youth Olympic Games. Do you have any plans to participate?
I'm not sure yet as when this happens I will already be 19 and hopefully getting ready to compete in the actual Olympics. However, for next year I will only be 17...


And if you were to participate, what would your expectations be?
You can never guarantee results, but I would expect some good competition - I have a big wish to test my strength and really challenge myself!


If children were allowed to compete in the Olympic Games from 12 years old, do you think then athletics would move into line with sports like gymnastics or figure skating that train children from three-years-old? No, that would mean children would not have a childhood! Although... I guess I spent a lot of time on training, hmmm that is a tough one to answer. I guess there are pluses and minuses.


And what would be the positives of training for young children?
Well, by being involved in sport from a young age I have had the opportunity to try out lots of diffent sports - I can play basketball and throw the Discus. It is also great for children to have lots of activity and community round them at a young age.


Any connection between the basketball and your throwing style?
I think the basketball training has given me an unusual style of throwing - I hope, it will prove to be my secret advantage!


What are your goals for your future in athletics?
I want to drive a black and yellow sports car with the registration plate at least one digit higher than ‘7408' - my World record winning throw!



Finishing up the interview on the local beach in Yalta, Mykyta joined some other kids throwing pebbles into the sea - needless to say, his went the furthest!!!

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