Maxim Radkevich is a Candidate for Master of Sport, a silver medalist at the 2025 Siberian Federal District U18 Championships, champion of the 2026 Siberian Federal District U18 Championships, a silver medalist at the All-Russian “Trudovye Rezervy” competition in Novosibirsk, a bronze medalist at the All-Russian G. I. Mikheev Memorial Tournament, and a silver medalist at the V. V. Putin Trophy team tournament in St. Petersburg. He has been practicing judo for 11 years.
The athlete shared his thoughts on his readiness before stepping onto the mat, his desire to face his biggest rivals from Nazran, and his team’s main goal: to prove that Krasnoyarsk never gives up and always fights until the very last second.
Interviewer: Imagine that the second stage has already begun, you are standing in your kimono, and there are only seconds left before you go out. What is the very last thought you keep in your head before stepping onto the mat? Maxim Radkevich: Probably: "I’m ready. I just need to do what I know how to do." At moments like these, there’s no point in thinking about the result anymore—you just go out there and give it your all, for yourself and for the team. Interviewer: Who on your team is the main "energy generator," capable of easing the tension with a joke, and who is the "iron wall" who is always calm? Maxim Radkevich: Everyone on our team has their own role. There are guys who constantly keep the spirit up and can break the tension with a single joke. And there are those who remain calm even in the most intense situations. I think it is this exact combination that makes us a good team. Interviewer: What kind of mindset is your team bringing into the second stage? Maxim Radkevich: A fighting spirit. We understand that the second stage requires a completely different level of concentration and responsibility. So we want to show our absolute best, support each other, and prove that "Krasnoyarsk" didn’t come here just to participate. Interviewer: Would you like to face a specific team on the tatami at the "Battle of the Cities"? Maxim Radkevich: Yes, I would like to compete against the Nazran team. I think it would be an interesting and highly competitive matchup. You always want to test yourself against a strong opponent and show what our Krasnoyarsk team is capable of. Interviewer: When the second stage is over, regardless of the medals, what is the main thing about the character of the Krasnoyarsk team that all spectators and opponents should remember? Maxim Radkevich: That we never give up. Even if things aren’t going our way, we keep fighting until the end and support each other. For me, the character of "Krasnoyarsk" is, above all, unity, determination, and the drive to fight to the very last second. Interviewer: How do you think the podium places will be distributed in your subgroup? Maxim Radkevich: I think the competition will be very tight, and it’s hard to predict in advance. There are several teams that look very confident, but in team competitions, everything can change literally in a single match. So, I wouldn’t rank everyone right now—we’d rather prove ourselves on the tatami. Interviewer: What result in the second stage would you consider successful for yourself personally? Maxim Radkevich: I would call it a success if, after it's over, I don't feel like I could have done more. The main thing is to approach every bout with maximum focus, execute what we’ve prepared, and contribute to the team. Interviewer: What is the perfect match for you? Maxim Radkevich: The perfect match is when, afterward, you know you gave it your absolute all. When it was a good fight, you managed to execute what you wanted, and at the same time, the team won as well. That’s when you leave the tatami with a great feeling. Interviewer: What is your biggest dream in judo? Maxim Radkevich: My biggest dream is to earn the "Master of Sports" title and achieve a strong result on the international stage. I want to prove to myself that hard work and constant training lead to results.
