Estonia to send 46 athletes to 2016 Rio Olympics
The Estonian Olympic Committee (EOK) confirmed its list of athletes selected to represent Estonia in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August. The full roster will include 46 athletes in 13 different events as well as a 44-person support staff.
EOK President Urmas Sõõrumaa expressed his delight in having put together a strong and multifaceted team to represent Estonia. "To send 46 athletes in 13 events to the Olympic Games is surely our first success of these Games," he said. "Qualifying conditions for the Olympic Games are extremely difficult in many sports and even just making it to the Olympics is confirmation of an athlete being a world leader in their field."
He added that first and foremost they expect each athlete to give their all during the Games, however any wins will fulfill their their hopes in addition as well.
Addressing the athletes headed for Rio, the EOK president said, "If any moments of hesitation prevent you from being able to focus, take the knowledge with you to Rio that all of Estonia supports you and is cheering you on!"
According to EOK Sports Director Martti Raju, the qualifications period did not bring with it any particular surprises. "Two years ago already we predicted the team to be 42-45 athletes in size and that came to fruitition," he said. "A positive surprise has been the large number of track and field athletes to qualify."
The EOK Executive Committee's confirmed Estonian roster for the 2016 Rio Olympics is as follows:
Archery: Laura Nurmsalu
Athletics (track and field): Gerd Kanter, Grit Šadeiko, Jaak-Heinrich Jagor, Karl Robert Saluri, Ksenija Balta, Liina Luik, Lily Luik, Liina Laasma, Leila Luik, Magnus Kirt, Maicel Uibo, Martin Kupper, Rasmus Mägi, Risto Mätas, Roman Fosti, Tanel Laanmäe, Tiidrek Nurme
Badminton: Raul Must, Kati Tolmoff
Cycling: Rein Taaramäe, Tanel Kangert
Fencing: Irina Embrich, Erika Kirpu, Julia Beljajeva, Kristina Kuusk (varu), Nikolai Novosjolov
Judo: Grigori Minaškin
Rowing: Allar Raja, Andrei Jämsä, Kaspar Taimsoo, Tõnu Endrekson, Sten-Erik Anderson (varu)
Sailing: Anna Maria Sepp, Deniss Karpak, Ingrid Puusta, Karl-Martin Rammo, Kätlin Tammiste
Shooting: Peeter Olesk
Swimming: Maria Romanjuk, Martin Allikvee
Triathalon: Kaidi Kivioja
Weightlifting: Mart Seim
Wrestling: Ardo Arusaar, Epp Mäe, Heiki Nabi
Editor: Editor: Aili Sarapik
