Penza, 16 May 2014. PenzaNews. Visit of the multiple world champion in MMA Fedor Emelianenko to Penza aroused keen interest among the local population.
This was especially true when the athlete arrived to Penza State University, where over one thousand students and teachers, the rector of PSU Alexander Gulyakov and the management of the regional sports committee were looking forward to meeting him.
Fedor Emelianenko had talked with fans for over an hour.
Speaking about his attitude to the sport, he said that it is regular practice that steeled his character.
“Every workout we struggle with ourselves. We need to conquer ourselves, overcome human barrier and move forward,” the legendary athlete said.
Fedor Emelianenko added that religion take a special place in his life.
“I was christened as a child in the Lugansk region. Orthodox saint of my patron is St Fedor whose name I bear. Before every competition I turn to God, asking him for help. We must not let it run itself. One can not unduly rely on their own strength, because that is when the Lord humbles one when one starts beating chest. On the other hand, we must do everything that depends on us in terms of preparation for the competition,” he explained his point of view.
Wrestler noted that athlete's family and coach plays a special role in life.
“Education, foundation, life and moral values depend on them. Pupils imitate their mentors. We choose our surrounding, friends and also influence them by our own example, life and spirituality,” Fedor Emelianenko.
During the meeting with the students, he also commented on the events in Ukraine.
“This is terrifying. The fact that Nazi flags are hanging in Kiev, the swastika in the center of the city says a lot. Our ancestors lay their lives for us to live today. People lost their mind. The fascism is supported. I do not understand this,” he stressed.
Fedor Emelianenko expressed willingness to return to Penza.
According to him, the next visit is likely to coincide with the opening of the palace for martial arts, which is expected to be commissioned in November 2014, the Internet service “” reported.
