Former R. Meilutytė’s coach J. Ruddas explained what Lithuania needs to understand about the return of the Golden Fish
24-year-old Rūta Meilutytė announced that she was ending her career in 2019, but unexpectedly decided to participate in the 2021 Lithuanian Swimming Championships. The results are fantastic.
Lithuania won gold medals in the 50 m freestyle and chest, 100 m in the chest, and a silver medal in the 50 m bowling alley.
Despite the abundance of medals, the “goldfish” in the 50 m freestyle improved the Lithuanian record – it covered the distance in 24.32 seconds. And Anastasia Gorbenko from Israel (29.34 sec.) Won the 50m breaststroke (29.33 sec.).
J. Ruddas, a swimming coach interviewed by LRT journalist Paulius Cubera, says that he watched the performance of the Olympic champion in the Lithuanian championship and has no doubt that he will return to the highest level if he wishes.
“Yes, I saw. I want to say that Ruth is an amazing athlete and an amazing person. It has always been that way. Whatever you choose to do, Ruth will be one to this day. When you are able to focus on a certain thing, you become unparalleled. If she decided to increase the number of workouts and focus on swimming, I’m sure I would climb to the top again. If you want to, “said the British.
According to the coach, Lithuanians should not put pressure on the swimmer and respect her no matter what. J.Ruddas does not hide his admiration for R.Meilutytė’s photography.
“There is an English saying that change is sometimes better than rest, but I think there is nothing better than rest. She had time for herself, for studies, for activities of interest. I saw her photography on social networks – she has a wonderful eye for creativity, – the coach commented on another activity of R. Meilutė. – If you decide to swim again, it’s amazing. But only if you really enjoy it. It is very important that the Lithuanian swimming community does not put too much pressure on them. It’s important to let her do it the way she wants it to. If everyone is relaxed, calm and allows themselves to decide, there is a better chance that this will happen. “