Athlete Alina Talaj: Our colors are white-red-white

World and Europe championships award winner Alina Talaj shared her attitude towards the flag and Belarusian language.

The sportswoman gave an interview to Pressball.

- We cannot but ask about the flag.

- Of course, I grew up under the red-green flag and I like it when it rises in my honor, but let’s not deceive ourselves – our colors are white-red-white.

Where can we hide the state’s history before 1917? Should we forget that our great grandparents poured their blood on this land for centuries? What would we be worth then, people with no roots?

I will tell honestly: I used to be categorical on this issue. I simply could not understand: do not some people care to such an extent that they do not even get bothered reading couple book on the history of their country? But later I realized that the older generation could not think of it since it was busy surviving and worrying about the daily bread. So it happens that in my circle is comprised of the people, dreaming of real national renaissance of Belarus.

- You would support them greatly if you gave this interview in Belarusian.

- I would think sometimes, looking for the correct words. The latest time I spoke Belarusian was at school, now I do not have the practice. But, honestly, I would like to have it. It is the native language, in the end.