“As long as I feel strong, why not? — Efimova did not rule out that she will perform until the age of 36

Triple Olympic medalist Yulia Efimova She does not rule out continuing her sporting career until the age of 36.

Efimova reached the final of the Russian Short Course Swimming Championship at a distance of 50 meters breaststroke, posting a result of 29.86 seconds in the semifinals. The best time was achieved by Belarusian athlete Alina Zmushko (29.80). Efimova shares second place with Evgenia Chikunova (29.86).

The 31-year-old athlete returned to competitive training at the end of October. This is his first Russian championship in two years.

— What is the most important thing when starting the 50m breaststroke?

— The main thing is the start and the touch. I have neither! But somehow I manage to swim and sometimes win. And on short water, it’s even worse: a lap is added, which I also do with sadness in two. But we continue to train, to try, to work on mistakes.

I decided the most important thing for me. I used to like it, but now I like it even more. You don’t have to worry about it, but just enjoy what you are doing.

— At one point, Jaromir Jagr left the NHL for three years to join Avangard, then returned to America and played until he was 50. He said Russia gave him a second wind in his career. Could your two-year break also revive your career and allow you to continue performing for many years to come?

“I haven’t thought that far yet.” But in reality, the hype is happening. At first it seemed like I would come back, finish with a bang, and leave. And now I have completely different thoughts: “Nothing, I feel like I’m swimming normally.” »And there are examples in sports like Novak Djokovic. He is 36 years old, but he has now won the final of the ATP tournament. Yes, I still care about him! And he continues to perform, to break records, to win a lot. And as long as there is such an opportunity, as long as I feel strong, why not?

— Your Russian record is 28.8 in the 50m breaststroke. Do you keep it in mind?

— To be honest, I hadn’t even thought about the result before. I just thought: I’ll swim and everything will be fine. I pretty much understand that I will be in the top three or top five, and I will try to get there. But today’s result showed that I can even fight. This makes me happy.

— Is your rivalry with Evgenia Chikunova similar to your old duel with Ruta Meilutyte?

– Yes, we were constantly compared.

“Now Zhenya said at a press conference: “I am very surprised. I didn’t even think Efimova would come back. We didn’t hear from her for two years! What do you think of these words?

– No, what’s bothering me? I thought I would come back quietly, swim calmly. Maybe by summer, some storylines will arise. And then a strong excitement immediately began. And I think Chikunova should be happy that it is now much more fun and interesting. Media interest in swimming increased sharply and was broadcast on . And it’s great for popularizing our sport! — The correspondent reports Efimova’s remarks.

The Russian Swimming Championships take place from November 20 to 25.

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