Valeriya Salamatina from the Sverdlovsk Oblast became the Russian champion after finishing the 400 m freestyle race at 4:10.58.
“So far, I have mixed feelings. Swimming after such a long break is pretty hard. Especially given yeasterday’s 100 m finals – it’s hard to race a longer distance after sprinting,” the athlete said. “Actually, I start slower and speed it up in the middle. Some things work, some don’t. Perhaps, I was a little out of breath today by the finish line.”
Alexandra Bykova came second (4:11.53), while Polina Nevmovenko won brinze (4:14.20). Both athletes are from St. Petersburg.
Ivan Kuzmenko, who represented the Saratov and Penza oblasts, came first in the 50 m freestyle race. “Like everyone else, I trained at home during the pandemic, there were no swimming sessions,” the athlete commented. “I wanted to get back in shape as soon as possible to show my best. I thought I could do better today, but I failed to.” In the near future, Kuzmenko is planning to participate in the Russian Short Course Swimming Championships held in St. Petersburg. “I hope the championship will take place. We will get ready, will improve our form,” he said.
Press Office of Directorate for Sports and Social Projects