Evgeny Somov, a Russian swimmer competing under neutral status at the 2024 Paris Olympics, addressed criticism from organizers of the Seine triathlon event. His remarks were reported by Match TV.
Somov explained his preference for pool swimming over open water, saying, “If I had come here to do a triathlon or swim in the open sea, I would have swam, but now I am happy to swim in the pool.” The statement reflects his comfort level and strategic choice amid the different disciplines present at the Games. (Match TV)
In Olympic competition, Somov finished 13th in the 100-meter breaststroke, narrowly missing a place in the semifinals of the 50-meter freestyle. The results illustrate the high level of global talent at the Games and the intense competition across swimming disciplines. The Paris Games spanned July 26 to August 11, with the opening ceremony famously held on the Seine River. Russian athletes competing as neutrals did not attend the ceremony due to the ongoing ban, a point of note for fans tracking the unusual arrangement surrounding Russia’s participation. (Match TV)
In the broader context, the International Olympic Committee initially suspended Russian and Belarusian athletes following Russia’s actions abroad and advised federations to restrict participation. By December 2023, the IOC announced that Russian athletes could participate in Paris 2024, but only under neutral status and subject to a set of conditions designed to ensure fair competition and clear separation from the national federation. This framework shaped who could compete and under what status, underlining the IOC’s ongoing effort to balance athletes’ careers with geopolitical realities. (Match TV)
The narrative of the Games also touched on how former affiliations and international experiences influenced performance. One Russian athlete, who previously competed for France and achieved a silver Olympic result elsewhere, illustrates the diverse paths athletes can take to reach the Games. This mobility underscores the global nature of modern swimming and the often complex histories behind an Olympic roster. (Match TV)