“We are ahead of the level of the European Championship in many respects” – FSM President about Russian tournaments

President of the All-Russian Swimming Federation Vladimir Salnikov told that Russian competitions are ahead of the level of the European Championship in many respects.

On Monday, in St. Petersburg, where the international tournament of the Vladimir Salnikov Cup ended, the awards of the All-Russian Swimming Federation took place.

— Does the lack of international tournaments affect the level of Russian swimming?

— I believe that our stages of the Russian Cup, Salnikov Cup and national championship currently show a good level. This question should be asked of athletes. But I know we are ahead of the European Championship level in many ways. Sometimes we are even ahead of football on television. Thanks to the fact that you broadcast competitions on .

We always invite foreign athletes to the Salnikov Cup. This time was no exception. Unfortunately, in our realities, not all volunteer athletes were able to come. But I will say that this is not due to their desire. Athletes from Italy, Germany, France wanted to come, but they are under pressure from their federations. We are open to guests. We do everything to organize a brilliant and intense tournament. Athletes participating in the tournament set 17 records: a Russian record, European and world youth records. This suggests that we have a very good reserve in the form of juniors. They are motivated and ready to win. This competition gives impetus to the development of swimming,” Salnikov told .