Jefimova, who gave the gold of the Russian Championship to a younger rival, resented this modest gesture

Jefimova landed 16-year-old Yevgeny Chikunova (1 min. 06.06 sec.) And took second place in the 100-meter swim race on Monday, but it was enough for the Russian swimming star to get a ticket to the Games. Tokyo Olympics.

After an intriguing duel, J. Chikunova showed Julia a “V” sign, which stands for victory, which angered Jefimov.

“It’s good that there is competition”, Chikunova is working hard. Looking at the national team, calmer, I could already retire. The change is there and it is rewarding. I hope it becomes Jefimova’s second, and maybe even better. Do I remember myself for 16 years?

I was much more modest, even absolutely modest. I didn’t see what signs he was showing me, he was still there, – said Jefimova after swimming. – The most important thing is that I have a ticket to Tokyo in my pocket. It doesn’t matter that he lost the Russian championship. I have lost the Russian championship so many times that it no longer surprises me. It does not mean anything. Of course, it is necessary to improve the result and the preparations for the Olympic Games. “

Previously in the Russian 50-meter championship, Jefimova won a gold award.

Rūta Meilutytė’s fiercest competitor, the greatest swimmer of all time in Lithuania, claimed that she did not expect to turn mountains into these Russian championships.

“I didn’t tell anyone, but with that kind of preparation, I didn’t think anything would work for me. Therefore, I did not want to go to priorities. But when the eyes are afraid, the hands are. If I have achieved these results in a couple of months, I will be ready for top-level competition in a couple of months. It was also disturbing that he hasn’t had a career lately. In the United States everything is closed and I started training in January. Most of the pools are closed there too, ”Jefimova said.

J. Jefimova won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in the 200 m breaststroke competition, and in 2016, a silver medal in the 100 and 200 m breaststroke competitions. Ruse has repeatedly spoken of wanting his trophy collection and Olympic gold.

“Not having the most important Olympic award, gold, does not worry me as much as before. I can really sleep because of it. The Olympic gold medal is such a big dream that I still want to realize. I have Olympic medals, but not gold. It is difficult. say what will happen in Tokyo, said Jefimova. “I will always fight and try, but I will not get too angry if I fail.”