There will still be world championships, and we need victory as soon as possible, - sportsman-border guard Mykhailo Romanchuk
The best Ukrainian swimmer, European champion, two-time Olympic Games medalist, winner of 17 awards spoke about preparations for the competition during the shelling of Ukraine by the Russian Federation and plans for the future.
After winning the European Championship in August, Ukrainian swimmer Mykhailo Romanchuk won silver in the 1500 m freestyle crown in the first stage of the World Cup in Berlin, losing only to his long-time rival, German Florian Wellbrock. Thus, Mikhail increased his medal achievements at the World Cup level to 17 awards. Now the Ukrainian has 11 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals.
“I am satisfied with the start of the World Cup in Berlin, as well as the results shown. After all, it is literally three weeks since I returned to training in the water. Still, the coach and I decided to take a longer vacation, because the season was very difficult: transfers, problems with documents that had to be solved. This vacation lasted for five weeks, during which I was without a pool. I think for three weeks of training it is a good start to the season. We continue to work, with new forces and emotions we approach the new season,” Mikhail appreciated his medal start.
According to him, Russia's shelling of Ukraine also affects its preparation for the competition.
“I remember one day I came out of training and went to the telegram channels to read what was there. And just in all they wrote that there was a massive attack on Ukrainian energy systems. I could not subscribe to my mother and father, nor to my wife, nor to my wife's parents. It was very hard and I was very nervous. This situation is extremely difficult. I talked with Ukrainians who came to Germany, they also said that it is very difficult and scary,” the swimmer did not hide his emotions.
Also, the Ukrainian athlete said that together with the coaches he decided to miss the world championship in short water, which will be held in Australia in December.
“First of all, I had a long rest, and we decided to go slower on those volumes and those workouts and do a larger amount of work. Secondly, it is very far. We need very large funds, and they are now needed by Ukraine for other things. Especially since there will still be world championships, and we need Victory as soon as possible,” - explained the reasons for such a decision, the sportsman-border guard Mikhail Romanchuk.
State Border Guard Service of Ukraine
