Swimming participants of the “Solidarity Games” II stage Sport had an open training at the Aquatics Palace of Kazan.
Russian and foreign swimmers gave interview to the media and had the final pre-start training. II stage “Solidarity Games” has brought together a total of 1,100 athletes from 22 countries.
“I’m in a good mood, it’s a working atmosphere here. I set the goal to show the maximum speed and cannot say for now how time is going to work out for me. Motivation? Not to lose any second. They run fast, while I have to be event faster,” Tokyo Olympic champion Evgeny Rylov noted.
“I was training hard. Now it’s time to warm up and tomorrow make a way to the start. I would like to get closer to my results at the international arena but would not think ahead,” Olympic 2020 silver medallist Kliment Kolesnikov told.
“I was missing the starts so much, because has a two-month rest after the “Solidarity Games”. I aspire to reach maximum results, as I healed all my injuries during the vacations and now I’m ready to get off to the start,” said Ilya Shymanovich, Belarusian swimmer who became a two-time European champion in Kazan two years ago.
“Although I was on holidays with lots of fun, I did miss the competitions. I have plenty of shot in the locker, therefore I will do my best. I’m set to work hard at the “Solidarity Games”,” world and European short-course champion Kirill Prigoda shared his expectations.
“It’s quite cold in Kazan but snow makes me so happy. My goal for the “Solidarity Games” is to get ready for the World Championships in Australia. Competition will be truly intense. I will be competing with the Russian swimmers, and they are really strong. I like the pool, here I set by personal best. Maybe this time I will also be lucky to better my time,” Syrian swimmer Omar Abbas expressed his emotions.
“A year ago I had several good results here. Now I’m in a rather good fit and happy to be here. Competition is stiff, since over 1,000 athletes are participating and the victory will be hard to win. The water in Kazan’s pool is very fast, and I like it,” Serbian Anja Crevar confessed.
II stage swimming competitions of the “Solidarity Games” kick off on 20 November.