The first gold medallists of the BRICS Games 2024 in Kazan are Svetlana Kolesnichenko and Alexander Maltsev of the Russian national artistic swimming team.
Svetlana Kolesnichenko, a multiple Olympic champion, won the solo technical routine. She scored 313.69 points and won the gold medal. Vasilina Khandoshka from Belarus was second with 296.475 points; the bronze went to Diana Onkes from Uzbekistan (229.9334).
“The mood is great, I tried to make these emotions come through at the competition. It’s very nice to have so many fans in Kazan to support us on a weekday. I’m always self-critical but I liked my performance, though there are some things that can be improved. The most important thing for me is to live up to the coach’s task, I want to show our best performance.
I’m grateful to Kazan for having everything organised and everything goes at the highest level as always. This city is like my second home”, Svetlana enthused after her victory.
Alexander Maltsev, four-time world champion, showed the best result in the men’s solo technical routine: 267.3216 points. He was ahead of the athlete from Thailand, Kantinan Adisaisiributr (209.9967).
“When we perform, we aim for a good run. We never aim to win a medal of any merit. First of all, we strive to give a good performance. I want to wish the fans to fall in love with artistic swimming. I’m very happy to see so many spectators at the BRICS Games. Stay with us, it’s very appreciated and encouraging”, Alexander said.
The artistic swimming competitions will continue today at the BRICS Games with routines of duets and acrobatic routine.