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Russia’s Yulia Efimova is contemplating hanging up her swimming cap after a disappointing fifth-place end within the 100m breaststroke closing on the Tokyo Olympics, with countrywoman Evgenia Chikunova coming dwelling fourth.
A double silver medalist in Rio 5 years in the past, Efimova was unable so as to add to her medal haul as 17-year-old American Lydia Jacoby claimed a shock gold forward of South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker and US star Lilly King.
Russia’s Chikunova, 16, completed 0.36 seconds behind King whereas Efimova was an additional 0.12 seconds behind her countrywoman.
The Tokyo Video games are the fourth for Efimova, 29, who made her Olympic debut in 2008 in Beijing.
She picked up her first medal with a bronze within the 200m breaststroke in London 4 years later, earlier than a pair of silvers – within the 100m and 200m – in Brazil.
As well as, the Grozny-born star has amassed 17 medals at World Championships, together with six golds, however has advised that Tokyo could be her final Video games.
“It’s the primary competitors the place I’ve competed so badly. I perceive there’s Covid, the morning [starts for the finals]. Perhaps too many nerves, an excessive amount of melancholy,” Efimova told Russian TV after her disappointment on the Tokyo Aquatics Heart on Tuesday.
“Nobody round believed in me getting a medal, aside from these near me and my followers [on social media],” added the star, who is a well-liked Instagram presence.
“I don’t know, I’ll analyze with my dad what went mistaken and if it’s price persevering with.”
Efimova, who’s the daughter of famend Russian swimming coach Andrey Efimov, mentioned she was already going through strain to decide to the Paris Olympics in 2024 – however was unsure about her profession.
“Everyone seems to be persuading me to go to Paris in three years’ time. Everybody besides my dad. After each Olympics the identical query seems for me, ever since Beijing in 2008,” mentioned the swimmer, who sometimes trains within the US.
“We’ll determine it out. Lots of work was achieved. First with David Salo in America, then some nuances corrected with my dad.”
Not like in her previous three Olympics, Efimova is not going to be competing within the 200m breaststroke this time spherical in Tokyo.
“Normally, if it is not achieved nicely, there’s time to suppose and repair the errors,” mentioned the Russian.
“The 200 meters I swim extra confidently after I’m prepared. However right here, judging by right this moment’s end result, I might hardly have proven some sensible [result].”
After lacking out on a medal, fellow Russian Chikunova was equally disenchanted.
“I really feel bitterness as a result of it was just a bit bit in need of the medal,” mentioned {the teenager}.
“I did all the things I might, improved my private finest, however up to now this isn’t sufficient for the rostrum.
“I didn’t set the duty to beat Yulia. I wished to swim on the most and be happy with myself.
“I fulfilled the primary a part of the plan, however in regards to the second … I can’t say that I’m glad. Fourth place is essentially the most upsetting.”
At simply 16 years of age, Chikunova could have extra alternatives on the massive stage – however for countrywoman Efimova, this could possibly be the tip of the lane.
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