Illia Lash – European Champion in Shooting

Recently, the finals of the European championship in rifle shooting took place in Budapest, Hungary. The winner of the competition was first-year student Ilya Lash from the Institute of Agriculture, majoring in 'Agronomy.' Ilya shared about his victory and the journey to it in this interview.

- Please tell us how your journey in this sport began.

- I started shooting when I was eleven years old. My parents also practiced rifle shooting, spent a lot of time at competitions, and shared interesting stories and adventures they had during trips. Gradually, I became interested in this sport as well. I decided to give it a try – and I was hooked.

- How did your parents react to your passion?

- They support me. After all, it seems like I’m continuing their legacy.

- The biggest challenges on your path.

- I think it’s nerves. There’s also the psychological tension and stress during competitions, and sometimes physical and moral fatigue.

- Why shooting, and not football, volleyball, or swimming?

- First of all, as I already mentioned – it’s my parents' example. Secondly, I tried boxing and swimming. I went to boxing with a friend for company. I attended the section for two months and decided it was definitely not for me. I swam for two years. So, shooting turned out to be the sport I enjoyed the most. I believe that the earlier you start any sport, the better. At first, you go to competitions with cadets, observe, analyze mistakes, get used to it, adapt. Then come juniors and older subgroups. By the time you’re, say, 17 years old, by the time you get some experience, there’s no time left for sports. Work, family, and other things start.

- What advice do you have for beginners?

- Don’t let the gun interfere with your shooting and don’t despair if something doesn’t go right. You need to focus and set yourself up for a positive result – then everything will work out.

- Why did you choose NUVHP and 'Agronomy' for your studies?

- I chose NUWGP because it is one of the leading universities in Ukraine and it's located in Rivne. I decided to try myself in the specialty of 'agronomy'. It seemed interesting to learn more about crop production and soil science, plant protection, their breeding, and to research biotechnology... In any case, if I get disappointed, I will transfer to another specialty.

- How do you balance studies and sports?

- In the morning – studies, in the evening – sports. To achieve high results, you have to train all the time, not skip and not relax. Stay in shape. Training takes two to three hours a day. I only have two days off. I train with Honored Coach of Ukraine in shooting, Serhiy Bondar, at the Rivne Regional School of Higher Sports Mastery.

- What victories do you already have in your career?

- I have been a champion of Ukraine multiple times and have taken prize-winning places in international competitions. Just at the last championship in Budapest, I won a prize. Before that, I competed in Estonia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Serbia, and North Macedonia.

- Your plans for the future.

- The nearest ones are to successfully finish my studies at the university and obtain the title of international sports master in shooting. These are my immediate plans.

Interviewed
Natalia PARKHOMCHUK