From 6 to 8 December in Kazan at the facilities of Volga region Academy of sport is the Cup of Popova – the international children's games for the prizes of Olympic Champions. There are six disciplines in the tournament: swimming, Greco-Roman wrestling, cross-country skiing, handball, rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming. Olympic Champions came to the tournament - Alexander Legkov, Igor Lavrov, Daria Shkurikhina, Svetlana Romashina. 
The Olympic team of tournament includes also Alexander Karelin-the three-time champion of Games and one of the best wrestlers in the history. Karelin held a master class in the main building of the Volga region Academy of sports. 
"BECAUSE OF THE STRUGGLE REALIZED THAT IT IS EASY TO LEARN» 
– After the defeat at the Olympics in Sydney, I felt humiliated, ashamed. I felt a traitor because I let down expectations of very many fans who considered that I have to be quadruple, – honestly and frankly answered a question of the young wrestler Karelin. – As the remarkable wrestler who is able to command words told: "I lost. I sit and, as suffocation, I am overcome by indifference". Here is the indifference pursued me a year and a half. 
In 2000 in Sydney Karelin in the final lost to the American Roll Gardner. For the first time in 13 years. The answers to the questions were the second part of the master class of the Olympic champion. And it seems to be the most interesting. Hands pulled all. Initially, the event was given one hour, but during this time Karelin managed to show only a few techniques and exercises. Probably, he initially understood that time will have to stretch. 
- I hope that this magic word "timing" will not allow children to be nervous and think that they will not have time to ask questions. We neglect even the threat of being late for dinner, but with their bandy-legged friends, we required to talk, – said Karelin to start. 
During the answers, he did not miss the opportunity to do educational work. At one point, two guys sitting in the crowd, something is not shared and immediately were called Karelin on the carpet. 


- Young people, you and you – came here. I thought when it happened, that's it. Come here,you guys are the best. Up here. What is the name? Brothers? Attaboy. You can tell they're both goofing around. Stood wide, – the Olympic champion was discharged guilty, 50 squats. Had to fulfill. 
- Finished? Lookers. What, you couldn't fight at home? 
If the first part of the master class was very narrow and useful only for the wrestlers and coaches, then everyone could learn something from the second. A real lesson of motivation from one of the best wrestlers in history, backed by stories and humor. 
– A ticket to the fight I gave Kuznetsov Viktor. Because my father is a boxer. Where do you think I got all these Boxing jokes? I was born in knockout. When I started studying, my dad said, " Son, anything you want, you're allowed. I don't know, I don't want to, I don't want to and I don't count. That's not in your life. Woke up in the morning ran with the dog in the wasteland." Mom was always the enemy. I cried when I broke my leg when I started studying. My mom burned my uniform, chopped it in the oven. 
A few hours before the master class, at a press conference dedicated to the "Alexander Popov Cup", Karelin was asked why some athletes finish their careers, even without really starting-in 15 – 16 years. Alexander retorted that all the fault of short-sighted coaches. It's not even about school. Later, he shared his experience, how he managed to combine and why it was only easier to learn because of training. 
- Dad gave me a wonderful recipe for combining study with training. He said, " Even a very strong fool is not needed at home." Truth, there was said – another. Even when I had a free schedule, increased results, I passed everything myself. Coursework in College, studied. No discount. And studied at three, four, and graduated with honors. When I began to be engaged in wrestling, understood that to study at school much easier. You come, every 45 minutes you are told: "Go have a rest, shake up". Buns at recess, seagulls. Holy Moly. And came to the training, you hryaks! Grunt! Bruising, neck pumping. Released-minus 2 kilograms weight. No one has ever poured tea. These are some people with strange intellect disfigured face fight with you constantly. Coach says we have to do something. Two hours of tension. And came home the thread was panarese, homework to be done. I think if I can stand it there, I can. Because of the struggle realized that it is easy to learn.    
"THE ATHLETE NEEDS TO BE GREEDY» 
Of course, sometimes it seemed that Karelin says very simple things. Perhaps everyone understands that to succeed you need to train more than necessary. But when such words sound from the legend, they acquire a special status. 
- When you are honest to yourself, to the trainer, to rivals, then to be adjusted on fight more simply. Think not over those, with whom you fight or what the next battle. If you were honest with yourself in training, if you were dying in the gym, you wouldn't have to die there. Every fight is like the last time in my life. Don't plan for the whole tournament. You will have time to recover. Moreover, you are the representatives of Russian school of wrestling. You're all unique. You are a nation of winners. You must have this detail in your head and in your heart. It must be difficult for you to tune in, because you are responsible, and at the same time it is easier, because others are even scarier than you. No need to strive for longevity. It is very easy to achieve in sports and in life. Treat yourself with discipline every day. Got up 30 minutes early. 30 minutes paradoski, definitely dosed perception of life in the part to eat. Never overdo it. And, most importantly, to train a little more than you imagine. If you are applying for something exceptional, you must understand that the program for millions must master much better than everyone else. Then there's a chance of getting half a step ahead. Only half a step. And if you want to get into longevity – multiply.   
Karelin was born and raised in Novosibirsk. It left its mark, too. And who knows what would have happened to him if not for sports. 
- As a child, I thought not to go to prison. Not the Olympics. To be honest, I had no idea. At the age of 14 I learned that there is such an amazing kind of life as wrestling. When I came into the gym, I was 175 cm tall and 75 weight. I was a big guy, couldn't catch up, hung on the bar like a sausage. 
In addition to questions about the fight and your career Karelin still and suddenly asked about the attitude to tattoos. 
– Tattoo what is it? And, partake. I don't understand, I think a man should adorn himself with more easily achievable stories. Is that what tattoos are for? Okay there before I had to be labelled somehow. Especially those who came to Siberia. Why now? If you put "I'm very strong" on your back, will it make you healthier? So all this stuff. Do not. The fractures, the scars, they'll come. 
On a question of a favourite reception many, probably, expected to hear the answer about a throw a deflection or something like that. Turned out to be more. 
- Favorite move? I'm heavy. My favorite and now he is eating. 
Even after his career Karelin gives the impression of a powerful man. It's huge. Although a much smaller amount of training was bothering him.     
- After completion, I became a Deputy of the state Duma, learned to wear a tie, make a face. But seriously, I train a lot less. It confuses me because I am sure that the man at any age, in any state and a rank has to be very strong. Physically. Sure of himself. Something to understand. Be reliable. My life has changed, but not that much. Also ... I'm getting bald. 
On a question of quality necessary for the athlete Karelin gave not the most unambiguous answer. Apparently, he interprets it in his own way. 
- An athlete must have greed. Need to be greedy. Take a little more. Carry a little more. Do a little more. Don't listen to what they say. Don't wait to be praised. And take over. Do not be afraid that you do not have insurance and you can break your hands or feet. Each of the Champions can tell a long story, but no one admits that it is self-denial. It sounds loud, but it is. But all this is trampled into one good everyday word-greed. 
"TRAIN OUR BRAINS. NOT THE CRUTCHES TO GET TO THE MEMORY» 
Karelin spoke in advance about how the first part of the master class will be held. 
- Today we will show boring elements, because any coach can show a throw. Beautiful, elegant. Released-lashed. We are going to show higher mathematics. As their feet, as the handle-mitts to accommodate. How to bore the opponent to make him worry. Each of the coaches is able to show a mandatory set. But not everyone is able to teach to win. Today will be an amazing workout. 
Probably, she was really amazing and helpful for wrestlers. And the elements were really boring – you training shots was done only a few times. Karelin explained things much more fundamental and basic. But it is useless to explain them out of context. Need to see.  
Tools was removed only from hands these plastic all, turned off! Brain training. Not the crutches to get to the memory. Apparatus train, hearing, attention. You I will see – immediately began training Karelin. He has a special relationship with electronics. Rather, they are almost there. He has a push-button phone, he doesn't use social media. 
Even during the warm-up Karelin explained some important details that can affect the fight.