“I was so nervous that I had a headache!” 2018 FINA swimming world cup records
The first record was set on the first day of the FINA Swimming World Cup.
Iaroslav Potapov won the first gold for the Team Russia. He achieved victory in the 400m free style. He took part in the 1500m course race at the last Olympic Games, but proved that he can be the best at short course, too.
“I was so nervous that I had a headache. I thought I wouldn’t be able to show a good result, because it was tough. But at the end of the course I felt my power and gathered speed. It worked out”, Potapov said.
Men. 400m. Freestyle
1. Iaroslav Potapov, Russia - 3:54.78
2. Qiu Yuhan, China - 3:55.13
3. Daniel Dudash, Hungary - 3:55.38
Mitchell Larkin (Australia) left no chances for his 200m backstroke competitors, having won by a head. But his rivals gained useful experience in a battle with the Olympic Champion.
The fact that such a strong athlete as Larkin is swimming just by your side stimulates. The first part of the race makes me struggle. I have to warm up properly. I'm not successful at the second part of the race yet. Time? Average, to be fair. There's still something to strive for”, the Russian swimmer Dmitry Maltsev noted. He ranked second.
Men. 200m. Backstroke
1. Mitchell Larkin, Australia - 1:57.23
2. Dmitry Maltsev, Russia - 2:00.78
3. Maksim Tretyakov, Russia - 2:02.78
“I'm really satisfied. This is very close to my personal best. It’s nice to start the season with a good win at home. I returned from my vacation only three days ago. Now it’s 7.00 a.m. But you don’t even think about it when you start your race”, Morozov admitted.
Spectators welcomed Vladimir Morozov with thunderous applause at the Aquatics Palace. Young fans who were so happy to see their idol surrounded the new World Cup record-holder. Morozov not only achieved victory in Kazan, he set World Cup record – 21.49 as well. Of course, he was so excited that he could not hide his joy just after such a bright triumph.
Men. 50m. Freestyle
1. Vladimir Morozov, Russia – 21.49
2. Michael Andrew, USA – 21.99
3. Andriy Govorov, Ukraine – 22.03
As for Anton, he kept his fans on the edge of their seats. After first 50 metres he ranked third, but he managed to swim a powerful last 50 and win.
“As usual, at the very beginning I wasn’t ahead of my rivals, but toward the end of the race I did my best. My today’s result is OK”, Chupkov confessed.
Men. 100m. Breaststroke
1. Anton Chupkov, Russia – 59.53
2. Felipe Lima, Brazil – 59.73
3. Arno Kamminga, the Netherlands – 59.99
The 100m butterfly race was breathtaking. Michael Andrew (USA) was in advance of the multiple world champion Le Clos (RSA) who shared the silver medal with Egor Kuimov (Russia). Both athletes demonstrated the same result.
“Le Clos has shown the same result as mine. That’s cool! I'm proud of it. This is my small achievement. But let’s not dwell on it”, Kuimov said.
Men. 100m. Butterfly
1. Michael Andrew, USA – 51.96
2. Chad Le Clos, RSA – 52.00
2. Egor Kuimov, Russia – 52.00