Vice-President of the Russian Synchronised Swimming Federation Olga Brusnikina has shared her impressions of staging the FINA World Series leg in Kazan. It is worth reminding that for many athletes these competitions were the first international artistic swimming tournament over a long time, while the spectators have not had a chance to attend such events for over a year.
“The competitions were excellent. The Organising Committee has endeavored to deliver the event as smoothly as possible for both the participants and spectators. There weren’t many teams in Kazan; nevertheless we managed to make a true festival of artistic swimming”
Delivering the competitions in the time and under conditions of the fight against the spread of the coronavirus infection complicates the task for everyone – athletes, coaches, and organisers. Masks regime and social distancing were controlled. Permanent treatment of the vehicles, accommodation facilities, and sports venue was carried out. All this make the organisation more responsible and challenging. The most important for us is that we have handled it. We have come back to the live-competition format and many athletes and coaches got a good opportunity to display their prowess. They have been longing for it, wanted to take part right in a live tournament. I am thankful to everyone engaged in the organisation of this World Series stop.
Seeing the spectators present at the stands means a lot to the athletes. This way they get the feedback from the audience. Although we used only upper stands, the athletes could hear the cheers and support from the fans. It is great!” told Olga Brusnikina.
First competition day brought the Russian national team four golds in a technical programme with three more top medals in a free programme. In the team events, the junior national team won the victory.
“Russian national team was on top as always. I did enjoy their performance. I had such a feeling that there has been no quarantine. I do wish them good luck to perform brilliantly at the Olympics and win the places they expect. And what they expect is gold only. Girls from the junior team did not have much time to get prepared but it is good they had an opportunity for a start and check out some faults. Junior starts are scheduled for late August, so they have time to hone little things to perfection. I am confident that competitions in Kazan helped them a lot”, noted Olga Brusnikina.
Press Office of the ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects”