Team Russia has won medals across the spectrum of the Olympic disciplines, and its medal haul is approaching 70. Beijing brought it 72 medals. This means that London may bring even more. This is what Mr Zhukov had to say:
"It’s a Russian custom to start slowly and gain speed later. I do hope the competitions to be held on the two closing days of the London Olympics will see more Russian victories. We are fielding a number of promising athletes this weekend. I’m among the most ardent supporters of them."
Zhukov urged the Russian supporters to enjoy the competitions, rather than simply count medals.
He praised Russia’s female gymnasts, synchronized swimmers and, most of all, judo wrestlers, who have already won as many as three gold medals.
NOC President also regretted failures and shortfalls:
"The fencers, for instance, could have done much, much better, if their remarkable results in the inter-Olympic period are anything to go by. Ourweightlifters deserve the highest of praises, and their worse than expected performance in London is the result of bad luck. Some of them suffered injuries, while others failed to qualify for medals due to a negligible amount of extra bodyweight."
In the overall medal count, Russia is fourth after the hosting country. Zhukov said he believes Britain owes its third place to strong support from the terraces, which in some instances has even influenced refereeing – for example, in boxing matches. Unfortunately, Russian supporters in London were very few and far between. They had been probably scared off by high prices.
Mr Zhukov thanked the Russian media for their coverage of the Olympics. He also said the NOC would instruct Russian athletes on how to behave with the media.
"I'd love to open a tennis school for children in my hometown of Sochi." said Sharapova Maria.
