“The fact that Efimova did not turn away from her sporting goal is worth a lot” – Korotyshkin

The determination of multiple world swimming champion Yulia Efimova on the path to her Olympic dream is worth a lot, President of the Moscow Swimming Federation Evgeny Korotyshkin told .

Efimova did not qualify for the Paris Olympics at the Bahamas Championship; it was his last chance. In the 100 breaststroke, she clocked 1:07.98, finishing in first place. But that wasn’t enough to qualify for the 2024 Games. The A standard is 1.06.79, the B standard is 1.07.12.

– The opportunity was missed, but Yulka did everything she could at the moment, if she had started at the Moscow Cup, if all this had happened three days later, even in the same Bahamas, she would have met that standard. The start was the most important moment to achieve maximum performance, maximum form. As a former athlete, I can say that no matter how I unloaded and prepared, without a start I swam 100m three seconds slower. I couldn’t speed up, I think it’s the same story. But there was no time for a reboot.

I understand how difficult it is for athletes and I try to help them. Our goal has always been to qualify for the Olympics and win that medal. It was a national idea, the idea of ​​a lifetime. Our loved ones supported us throughout our sporting journey so that we could get there.

Turn around and say it doesn’t matter? No, it’s important. These values ​​were instilled in us from childhood. And the fact that she remained loyal to them is worth a lot. Just because they treat us badly there doesn’t mean we should close our doors and abandon the goal of being the best in the world in our sport,” Korotyshkin told .

Efimova is 32 years old and competed in the 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2021 Olympic Games, where she won two silver medals and one bronze. It received neutral status from World Aquatics in June.

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