Russian swimmer Yuliya Efimova given Olympics opportunity

English Woman's Journal - Russian swimmer Yuliya Efimova given Olympics opportunity

SPORTS 14.06.2024

Russian swimmer Yuliya Efimova given Olympics opportunity / Photo: Martin BUREAU - AFP/File

Yuliya Efimova on Friday became the first Russian swimmer to be granted neutral status for the Paris Olympics -- but said she might struggle to reach the qualifying standard.

Change text size:

Efimova, who won silver medals in the 100m and 200m breaststroke events at the Rio Olympics and took bronze in the 200m breaststroke at London 2012, was named by swimming's governing body World Aquatics as having neutral status for Paris.

World Aquatics had banned competitors from Russia and its ally Belarus following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, but in September 2023 said they could return to international competition as neutrals if they meet specific criteria.

However 32-year-old Efimova told Russia's Match TV.Ru that she would struggle to meet the Olympics qualifying deadline of June 23 and that as she did not have a visa for Europe she was unable to compete in events where she could qualify.

"They gave it (the neutral status) to me today but it's a big problem that I don't have enough time for the international qualification," she said.

"(The competitions) all finish on June 23 – either they have happened or they are happening next week.

"The most important thing is, World Aquatics quickly looked at my application and they support me, for me to perform at the Olympics.

"But I don't have a visa for Europe and I don't have access to the international qualifying start and they are all finishing."

Efimova, also a six-time gold medallist at the world championships, said she believed "theoretically, I could achieve a decent time in Paris. But it looks like we won't find out about that."

The president of the Russian Swimming Federation, Vladimir Salnikov, told TASS state news agency that it was up to each swimmer to apply for neutral status but that Russia did not stand in their way.

"We didn't ban athletes from applying to get this status, it's her personal business," he said.

The International Olympic Committee has ruled that Russians competing as neutral athletes will not be allowed to display their country's flags, emblems or have their anthem played.

The Paris Olympics run from July 26 to August 11.

K.Marshall--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.