Paris 2024 Day 3: Alina's 100 meters

Swimmer Alina Zmushka remains the main newsmaker of the starting days for Belarusian sports fans at the ongoing Paris Olympics.

After a confident swim in the semifinal and a new national record in the medal swim, the athlete wanted more. With the exception of the time by Tatjana Smith from South Africa, other results did not look so unattainable.

In the final, Alina Zmushka was eighth with a time of 1:06.54. Already afterwards in the mix zone she admitted that it was just a bad evening and that's all. Otherwise, she was happy with the result in the 100m breaststroke in Paris.

In general, I am satisfied with my performance. I set the new record of Belarus. In the final the things were a little bit harder, emotionally or physically, I am not sure yet. We will scrutinize everything. The main thing is to make the right conclusions. There was no lightness like in the semifinals.

We saw you in the waiting room. What were you listening to before the start?

It is usually music, but I can't remember which one was on at that moment. I try to catch the rhythm of the music and that's all.

You are competing in two breaststroke disciplines here. Which distance is your favorite - 100m or 200m?

200m, I think, but I am good at 100m too. I am kind of universal. We will see. I hope I will have enough strength.

Mentally I feel good. I get enough support here. Now I need to get ready for the next heat. I am also good at 200m,” Alina Zmushka said.

Tomorrow she plans to have some rest and continue her training.

Anastasiya Shkurdai placed 20th in the 100m backstroke qualification. According to coach Nikolai Lugovkin, this distance is a warm-up for Shkurdai and the main emphasis will be on the 200m backstroke.

On 30 July Yauheni Zalaty and Tatsiana Klimovich will compete for a spot in the single sculls semifinals.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus
Photos by the NOC of Belarus