The island of Konevets in Lake Ladoga is home to one of the most important Orthodox shrines for both pilgrims and tourists - Konevsky Monastery, which was founded in the late 14th century by Saint Arsenius of Konevets. Despite the lack of magnificent natural sights and landscapes, almost all those who visit are moved by the island’s unusual, understated beauty, as well as by its intimate atmosphere and mystique. RTG TV host Igor Maximenko not only got to visit the historic monastery, but also take in the natural sights the island has to offer.
World champion javelin thrower and Olympic silver medalist at the games in Peking Mariya Abakumova holds the record for the second longest javelin throw in women’s history with 71.99 metres. Nowadays in Russia Mariya is known to have made one of the greatest achievements the sport has ever known and she is one of very few athletes of her caliber all over the world. People know and love Abakumova as a charismatic and emotional athlete and they expect to see a real show of passion and effort from her on the field. Mariya doesn’t believe in the myth that a career in professional sport and having a family are incompatible and she is ready and eager to travel abroad to Rio de Janeiro to capture gold in 2016.