Ushakov: Our Goal Is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Konstantin Ushakov discusses Russia's national team plans and his goal of winning an Olympic medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Konstantin Ushakov, head coach of Russia's women's national volleyball team, says his top priority is winning an Olympic medal after FIVB lifted its suspension on Russian national teams.
He learned the news by phone: "I read the news on my phone. Joy, of course." Ushakov revealed the team will hold a training camp in Novogorsk in August, followed by two friendly matches against Serbia, who are preparing for the European Championship.
Discussing his priorities, he said the players and coaching staff first need to learn to communicate and understand one another before focusing on tactical details. He stressed there is little time to waste: "We have no time at all to ease into things." Russia currently ranks ninth in the world, and since only five spots at the Olympics go to teams outside continental champions and the host nation, a strong showing at next year's Nations League will be crucial.
As a player, Ushakov won silver medals at both the Olympics and World Championship, and admitted he still carries the desire to finally close that gap now as a coach.
