"It is very important that our athletes are recognized in the world"

The Russian synchronized swimming team returned from Paris from the European Aquatics Championships. Our team won seven medals there: three gold, one silver and three bronze. This tournament was the first for the team led by Svetlana Romashina, the most decorated synchronized swimmer in history, a seven-time Olympic champion, and a 21-time world champion.

She was appointed to the post of head coach of the Russian national team at the end of last year, replacing Tatiana Pokrovskaya, who worked in this position for 25 years, under whom our country began to unconditionally dominate this sport. In an interview with Izvestia, Romashina appreciated her performance at the last European Championships, spoke about the changes in the international arena during the absence of Russian synchronized swimmers in 2022-2025 and called on the media to support domestic athletes.

— Are you satisfied with the team's results at the European Championship? What grade will you give to your charges?

— If it's a five-point system, then I'll probably give our team a four. A confident four. Considering that I evaluate all the programs and all the performances in total. As always, we have a lot to work on. We never give up, we never stop there. There is something to analyze based on the results of this European Championship. There is a place to review certain programs. But in general, I can say that everyone coped with their tasks — both the coaching staff and the athletes. Everyone is doing great.

— A year after our synchronized swimming returned to the international stage, is there a problem with the attitude of the judges? Could you have achieved even more in normal times?

— I won't take responsibility for the judging panel. I am responsible for the result that exists. "If only" is not taken into account. We will work on the artistry, so that the judges get used to us again. And all this can be discussed only after the performance.

— Are you planning to achieve more by the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles?

— Naturally, we will try to do this. It's within our power. And in fact, we will need the help of the media to talk about our athletes. Because it is very important that Russian athletes in individual sports — solo and duet — be recognizable people. And not only in our country, but also in the world. I would like us all to work together here.

— Has international synchronized swimming changed much in terms of competition during the three years of the Russians' absence?

— Let's admit that the sport has changed a lot. The judging system and the performance programs in general have changed. It's just that you need to understand this, accept it, and somehow engage in another synchronized swimming, or, as we should say now, another artistic swimming (the sport was renamed artistic swimming in 2017, but the general public still calls it synchronized due to inertia. — Ed.). That's what we're doing. We do mathematical calculations (smiles).

— Was it hard for you to adjust, compared to the synchronized swimming in which you performed?

— No, it didn't take long to get used to it. In principle, there were no problems with adaptation. Because during this time we managed to work with the youth team, having performed at the world championships and All-Russian competitions. The system is clear and understandable. We just need to participate more in international competitions.