Maya Maneza: I am not going to leave Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan weightlifter Maya Maneza said the she was going to stay in Kazakhstan even if Chinese authorities call her back. She confessed that Kazakhstan became home for her in her interview to Tengrinews.kz. “No, I am not going to leave Kazakhstan, it is my home. I would like to represent Kazakhstan in tournaments,” Maneza said. The Olympic champion also said that she wished to take some rest most of all. However, she would start training in 1-2 months again, because she was going to take part in the nearest World Championship. When asked if it was true that Kazakhstan authorities had promised to find a fiancé for Maya for her Olympic victory, Maya answered: “No, this was just a joke.” The Olympic champion said that she was in a relationship, but refused to continue speaking about her boy-friend. “I haven’t thought about marriage yet, it is too early,” the Olympic champion said. Maya Maneza hasn’t yet decided what she will do after her retirement. “I don’t know what I will do when I retire. I haven’t thought of becoming a coach. It is quiet difficult. I saw my coach worry so much about me during the tournament,” she said. Maya Maneza won the third gold medal for Kazakhstan and set a new Olympic record by lifting a total of 245 kilograms at the London Olympic Games. President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev congratulated her on her victory. Nursultan Nazarbayev awarded London Olympic champions with state awards in Astana Palace of Independence on August 17. By Dmitry Khegay