Russian volleyball star Tatiana Kosheleva, a month before the Tokyo Olympics, announced her retirement from the national team.
“Throughout my career, I felt incredible support from the fans and always knew that I could be honest with you. Today, also honestly, I want to talk about the important and difficult decision I made. I’m not going to the Olympics and I’m finishing my career in the Russian national team.
The Tokyo Olympics were my dream and inspiration. I recovered from my injuries by thinking about the Olympics and closed my eyes to all the difficulties, just to make this dream come true. But today, listening to myself and my heart, I realize I have to stop. For the first time in my life I choose myself, comfort and tranquility. I say goodbye to the team that I love madly and to which I gave my soul.
You will probably ask about the reasons for this decision. I’ll say right away:I’m fine with my health, I’m not kicked out of the national team, I’m not afraid of competition, I’m not pregnant, I didn’t betray anyone… I just feel and trust myself. Believe me, the decision was not easy for me, but it was necessary.
My support and love remain with the team. The girls know that they can rely on me and that in my mind I am with them! Goodbye my favorite team 🇷🇺❤️”” – Kosheleva wrote on Instagram.
Kosheleva is the 2010 world champion and two-time European champion (2013 and 2015), and was awarded as the most valuable player at both EuroVolleys.
She played for the Russian national team in London 2012 and Rio 2016.
