Russian swimmer Alexander Stepanov called himself a disgrace to the nation after exiting the 3-kilometer open water sprint at the European Aquatics Championships on Friday, August 7. The event took place in Paris, according to Match TV.
Stepanov failed to advance past the first round of the sprint discipline. Match TV reported that no other Russian swimmers managed to reach the final of the competition either.
Speaking after the race, Stepanov stated that he felt like a disgrace to the nation. He said that nothing worked out for him during the race, marking the first time he had experienced such a failure. He added that he did not want anything right now and that nothing further would happen.
Seine River competitions
Earlier at the championships in Paris, Russian swimmer Vladimir Muratov shared his impressions of competing in the 5-kilometer open water swim. Muratov noted that he swallowed water in the Seine River, where the races were held.
