Alexander Krasnykh: I have mixed feelings about my second place. I could have won

Oleg Kostin

- To be honest, I'm not happy with my result. I wish I would have finished with 2.02. It was somehow difficult; it looks like I haven't recovered after the 100m event. But basically, I think it's not a big deal. We will keep working and do our best to win the World Championships. 

- In which event are you planning to compete for a medal? 

- In the 200-metre breaststroke, because it's my favourite distance. Of course, there will also be a tough struggle in the 100-metre event, but I still prefer 200 metres. 

Daria Ustinova

- I'm happy with the result but I would have preferred a better one because I showed this time a year ago. But it's a good thing that I have qualified. Mission accomplished.

- Is the 200-metre backstroke your least favourite distance? Or is it false? 

- It's true. It's the main event, it's more difficult to swim it and sometimes it doesn't go well.

- We cannot help but ask about Doha. How do you assess your chances at the FINA World Championships?

- Since I qualified, I intend to win. I hope that I will succeed because I need to aim for better results. I would like to show a good result. 

- You underwent surgery and missed the World Cup leg. Did it affect the way you performed? Are you recovering now? 

- Yes, I'm recovering. I wouldn't say that I'm in my best shape. I was told that my nose will be recuperating for another six months. I'm getting in shape. 

- Do you breath easier now?

- No, I need some more time, three months at least. I had to withdraw from the competition so that to fully recover and not to rush things. 

Alexander Krasnykh

- I have mixed feelings; I could have won. I let it slip away, I missed it.

- What is is the most important thing for you: a medal or a good result?

- A good result. A medal is just a medal. A good result is more important.

- What prevented you from winning? 

- I don't know. I probably should have kept a closer eye on my opponents.

- Did you compete at the Asian Games as well? 

- These legs burned me out. I thought I will be completely wasted when I come here but, surprisingly, I did well. 

- So it was difficult, wasn't it?

- Yes, it's difficult when there are so many events in a row, starting from the World Championships. Of course, it's difficult to compete in all of them when you are unaccustomed and unexperienced.  

- Are you happy that you've made it to the national team? 

- Of course I am. Each young athlete will be happy about it.

Oleg Tikhobaev

- I have good vibes! Even though I failed to improve my personal best that I achieved in the semifinal. I don't know why but most likely because it's a semifinal. You have to constantly keep focused because the 50-metre event doesn't give you a second chance, you have to execute all elements: touch, finish, flip turn. And all of them need to be executed well enough so that not to lose speed... All in all, I wish I had performed better but I'm glad that I achieved the qualfication standard and earned a spot in the World Championships. That's why I'm very happy and I want to do better in Doha and show a better time. 

- Is this season one of the most successful ones in your career? What are your odds in Doha? 

- Yes, I competed at the long European Championships. I placed second in the 4x100-metre relay and ninth in the 50-metre long course. I started off at a good speed and I hope that everything will be just as good in the future. 

Veronika Popova

- What was the most difficult thing for you and why?

- The relay was the most difficult thing. It's too bad that we came second; I practically had no strength left. But I'm still happy. 

- Is it difficult to swim 100 metres and 400 metres in a single day? 

- I swim it for the second year in a row, it's easier now.

- What about relay events that were added to your programme. Do they make things more complicated for you? 

- 50 metres in my distance... They had no impact on me. But the teammates are happy and we have great relations within the team, both in mixed and individual relays.

- Have you accomplished your task for today?

- Yes, I have. But I still have the speed that is not enough to win. Even so, we did better in the 400m relay. I'm happy.

- Are you planning to win this year? 

- But of course! At every event I compete like there is no tomorrow.