Synchronized swimmer Maltsev on the BRICS Games: “Finally, we felt like we were participating in an important competition”

Quadruple world champion synchronized swimmer Alexander Maltsev said that the BRICS Games in Kazan, thanks to the support of fans and the presence of foreign athletes, will be remembered as an important competition.

On Tuesday, a press conference of the Russian synchronized swimming team will take place, dedicated to the results of their performance at the BRICS Games in Kazan. The Russian team has won 10 gold medals and one silver in this sport. Maltsev became the winner of the free and technical solo programs, and together with Olesya Platonova also won the mixed duets free program.

— There were a large number of supporters at these competitions. It made us happy. We felt their support. We were very satisfied. It gave me extra strength. Finally, we felt like we were participating in an important competition. The presence of foreign athletes also made us happy. We were able to communicate with them and exchange our experiences. It was very pleasant for us.

— How would you rate your performance?

— Every athlete strives for perfection and understands that there is something to work on. We always want to do better, we see what can be improved,” reports the correspondent of , according to Maltsev’s words.

The athlete became the only one to perform solo in the free program.

— My friends sent me various memes. I took it calmly. For me, the situation is clear. The BRICS Games are competitions that not everyone was able to attend. Some athletes were under pressure; the European Championships took place at the same time. This is why many did not come. I wasn’t surprised to find myself alone on the podium. I have been first in international competitions more than once. If there were competitors in the BRICS Games, it wouldn’t change anything for me.

—With no competition, how can you go out and show your best?

— During training, we always strive for the best race, whether there are competitors or not. I can say that playing in front of empty stands is even more difficult than without competitors. During the pandemic, we performed even without judges; they rated online. But it doesn’t matter, we succeeded, ”reports the correspondent of , reporting Maltsev’s words.

More sports news in our telegram channel .