Efimova’s father talks about Yulia’s selection for the Olympics: ‘I told her she shouldn’t give up halfway’

Andrey Efimov, father and coach of the multiple world champion swimmer Yulia Efimova said he encouraged his daughter to complete the qualification process for the Paris Olympics.

The Russian clocked 1.07.98 at the Bahamas Championships in the 100m breaststroke, taking 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 conditions were difficult, the flight was difficult. And to be honest, we didn’t really know that an opportunity like this would present itself. Preparations were for the Russian Cup final, so June must have been under pressure.

Then Yulia asked if it was necessary to go to this selection. I said don’t give up halfway, but it almost didn’t work. Weather conditions, long flight, time zone,” Efimov 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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