Efimova explained why she decided to apply for neutral status

Triple Olympic medalist, six-time world champion Yulia Efimova in swimming, after failing to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, she said in an interview with that she did not apply for neutral status in the spring, but did so this been thanks to the support of people who believed in his.

In June, Efimova received neutral status from the International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics). This allows him to participate in international competitions under the aegis of the organization, including Olympic qualifications. At the Bahamas Championships, the Russian did not qualify for the Paris Games, it was her last chance. In the 100 breaststroke, she clocked 1:07.98, taking first place, but did not meet the standard.

— Our columnist Dmitry Guberniev criticized swimmers for refusing to qualify for the Olympics in neutral status: “Only Efimova does this, take her as an example!” But why did you only obtain neutral status in June and not in March? It’s too late?

— We can talk a lot about it. But you’ll remember what happened in the spring, when big names in the sports world were calling neutral-status athletes “homeless” or “foreign agents.” There was strong pressure from all sides. And how can you say: “I’ll still go to the Olympics” when everyone around you hates you?

And when there is no support from anywhere. Well, I can always find sponsors, get paid somewhere, I have a name and as usual, there is nothing to lose, as the saying goes. But how will others proceed?

There are federations which supported their athletes, and the athletes in neutral status will go to the Paris Olympics. And they don’t seem to have any problems. And so separately take and compete with everyone – there are few such athletes. They are afraid, they are young. What if what happens? They told us to do it this way, so we do it. It’s better to be like everyone else. And then you don’t know what they’re going to do to you. They will withdraw your bet and you will be left without any money.

It was hard for me. Maybe it’s really possible to organize everything on your own earlier. But I also had the feeling that I might not have been selected at all. This means arriving at the tournament early, adjusting to time zones, acclimatizing and solving many organizational problems.

Actually, three or four weeks ago I had a different plan. I thought I was going to go neutral and compete in a tournament in Italy. But they don’t care, and the Italians, even with this status, refused. I was sure that that was all: Paris was passing. And I didn’t prepare for any of the Bahamas. I just wanted to come to the Moscow Cup in perfect condition to compete. I was entered in the 200m medley and relay, and was asked to compete in freestyle. Just to do a good job. And then, in less than 24 hours, the decision is made: you must fly to the Bahamas and seize your chance. What changes!

And to come back to your question: I am against blaming swimmers for not going against the tide to go to the Olympics. Now, if at the beginning of spring public opinion was the same as today, when cities are ready to pay millions to neutral athletes, even if there are no medals, and all everyone around said: “Come on, we have to go. any status! “, at least there was a strong alternative position – maybe someone would try.

I didn’t dare ask for neutral status in the spring. Now I’ve done it. Because I am surrounded by people who supported me, who believed in me and who pushed me towards this Olympic dream. I would be very afraid to do this alone. I don’t want to go against public opinion. And now that has changed. Because even in a neutral position, everyone understands that we come from Russia and we defend our fans. And many wish our athletes to achieve some success at the Olympics,” Efimova 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.

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