Members of the Russian national team returned to racing on Saturday in Obninsk as Andrei Minakov and Mariia Kameneva swam some impressive times in the 100 freestyle after some time away from the racing pool. Both swimmers are training to make their first Olympic team after having success on the European level the last few years.
Minakov won the 100 free at 48.80 just ahead of Vladislav Grinev (48.85), who won the bronze at the 2019 Worlds. Minakov was set to make his Stanford debut this semester, but is staying at home in Russia this school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing. Mikhail Vekovishchev, who is better known in the 200 free, finished in third at 49.26. Depending on who can represent Russia at the Olympic Games, the Russians have a strong team to be able to win the gold in the 4×100 free relay at the Games.
In the women’s event, Mariia Kameneva took the 100 freestyle final at 54.36 ahead of Arina Surkova (54.67) and Daria Ustinova (54.83). Kameneva, just 21, is one of the top sprinters in the world, having placed tenth in this event at the 2019 Worlds and fifth in the 50.
Ustinova took the win in her best event, the 200 back, with a 2:12.21. She had a disappointing showing at the 2019 Worlds, finishing 23rd with a 2:12.6. She has won medals at the 2018 and 2014 European Championships, and made the final at the 2016 Games.
Alexander Kudashev won the 200 butterfly with a 1:56.33 ahead of Vadim Klimenischev (1:58.34).
Other winners on the night included Alexander Egorov in the 1500 (15:14.74) and Valeria Salamatina in the 800 (8:47.56).