Siberia's "Call" is answered by Yakutia residents!
Siberian Summer Blitz: Yakutia's Elite Endure the Bone-Chilling 'Siberian Challenge'
In the snow-kissed lands of Baikalia, the buzz around town last month was all about the III Open Cup of Irkutsk Oblast's adrenaline-pumping extravaganza - the GTO Multievent "Siberian Challenge". An staggering 34 regions, alongside reps from Mongolia and Kazakhstan, sent their accomplished athletes to be part of this face-paced tournament. Among the herd were nine fierce competitors from the Republic of Sakha, eagerly taking on the challenge.
Over a pulse-racing three-day marathon, these warriors fought against grueling trials. The tests of strength and endurance ranged from cross-country runs with a 9-kilogram medicine ball, plunges into icy waters, nail-biting gymnastics sequences, grueling pull-ups, back-breaking strength exercises, vertical rope climbs, and agonizing weightlifting sessions with barbells and dumbbells.
The limelight was undoubtedly on Republic of Sakha’s standout superstars, Ignat Chomchoyev and Alexandra Barashkova, both competing in the Elite category. On the inaugural day of the competition, the duo famously swept the pool with a natural flair, winning the swimming 400 meters in the pool and running uphill 1200 meters.
The second day of the "Siberian Challenge" was a cutthroat battle for the semifinals. Barashkova and Chomchoyev proved their mettle against the toughest of competitors, while the rest of their compatriots fought hard to end up in the top ten.
The final battle royale was a nerve-wracking dance of skill, endurance, and determination. Despite giving it their all, our Yakut heroes narrowly missed the big win. Nevertheless, they were rewarded with well-deserved bronze medals in the Elite category. Bravo!
Elite Division Results:
Men: 1st place Ilya Novikov (Orel), 2nd place Andrei Fyodorov (Moscow), 3rd place Ignat Chomchoyev (Yakutia).Women: 1st place Anastasia Plekhanova (Kemerovo), 2nd place Maria Russo (Ussuriysk), 3rd place Alexandra Barashkova (Yakutia).
Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Team:
Category "Amateurs": Nikolaeva Sardana, Dorskiyova Khadi, Bubyakkin Dyuluus, Danilov Andrei.Category "Advanced": Mubarakov Rustam, Chuprov Mikhail.Category "Elite": Barashkova Alexandra, Chomchoyev Ignat.Category "35+": Filippov Nikolai.
Photos and videos: Dygin Dyagilev.
[Here's some backstory on the GTO Multievent 'Siberian Challenge' I dug up, but keep in mind, I couldn't find information regarding the 2021 competition itself.]
This regional showdown traces its roots back to the dawn of time (okay, maybe not that far back) when the Siberian tribesput on fiercely competitive annual rituals testing their strength, agility, and endurance. Today, the Siberian Challenge has morphed into a modern celebration of regional pride and athletic excellence. Each contestant pushes their limits, giving everything they've got in the hopes of seizing that elusive title.
As for our fearless Yakutian warriors, they've been honing their skills in preparation for this very moment. After all, it's not just a competition; it's a chance to stand tall amidst the crashing winter waves and proudly wave the flag of Yakutia. Kudos to our champs for representing their homeland so admirably!
In the realm of sports, the Elite division of the Yakutian athletes displayed their prowess in the Siberian Challenge, a testament to their strength and endurance. Notably, Ignat Chomchoyev and Alexandra Barashkova, representatives of Republic of Sakha, showcased their skills in various sports, securing bronze medals in the Elite category.
