Kliment Kolesnikov Continues to Show Speed at Russian Solidarity Games
Multi-time Olympic medalist Kliment Kolesnikov picked up another victory during Sunday’s action at the Russian Solidarity Games, this time winning the 50-meter backstroke in Kazan. The former world-record holder in the event, Kolesnikov blazed to a time of 24.16 to easily beat Pavel Samusenko, who touched the wall in 24.70. They were the only athletes to break the 25-second barrier.
Kolesnikov has been in fine form during the meet, which is serving as a competitive opportunity after Russian and Belarussian athletes were banned from last month’s World Championships. In response to Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine, FINA instituted a suspension on Russia that will last through at least the end of the year.
Prior to his triumph in the 50 backstroke, Kolesnikov won the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke. He is slated to contest the 50 freestyle on Monday, the final day of the meet.
Evgeniia Chikunova backed up her earlier triumph in the 200 breaststroke with a swift swim in the 100 breast. Chikunova covered her two laps in 1:06.60, which was fast enough to beat the 1:06.81 of Nika Godun. Godun led Chikunova by .04 at the turn, but Chikunova had the better closing speed and surged ahead down the stretch.
In the women’s 100 backstroke, Mariia Kameneva and Anastasiya Shkurdai each dipped under one minute, with Kameneva prevailing in 59.26. Shkurdai followed with an effort of 59.97. Meanwhile, Arina Surkova opened the session with a sub-25 clocking in the 50 freestyle, as her effort of 24.80 was enough to hold off Daria Klepikova and her swim of 25.05.
Three men went faster than 1:47 in the 200 freestyle, paced by Martin Malyutin and his performance of 1:46.14. Malyutin had a slight lead over Mikhail Dovgalyuk (1:46.79) with one lap to go but was able to pull away over the last 50 meters with a closing split of 26.32. Finishing third was Daniil Shatalov in 1:46.85.
Mikhail Vekovishchev edged Petr Zhikharev in the men’s 100 butterfly, 51.58 to 51.64. Andrey Zhilkin wasn’t far behind, going 51.82 for a third sub-52 showing. Anastasiia Sorokina won the 200 individual medley in 2:13.67 and Aleksandr Stepanov led five men under eight minutes in the 800 freestyle with a time of 7:50.63.