Don’t Count Out Evgeny Korotyshkin On Road To Rio

Photo Courtesy: Gian Mattia Dalberto/Lapresse

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

By Jeff Commings, Swimming World Senior Writer

Evgeny Korotyshkin was in Kazan, Russia, for the FINA world championships, but not in the way he had hoped or expected. The Russian swimming star was working as a reporter for a Russian swimming magazine instead of racing his rivals, the result of subpar performances at the Russian nationals.

Korotyshkin missed out on qualifying for the Russian team in his signature event, the 100 butterfly, at the Russian nationals. He didn’t qualify for the nationals final, a shocking development for the 2012 Olympic silver medalist.

“After the Olympic Games I was really relaxed, and I let it go,” he said in an interview with Swimming World. “I didn’t want to practice as much as I had. I promised my buddy I would take a long break, and after that it was really hard to come back.”

Korotyshkin continued to train for a while with the ADN Swim Project in Italy under Andrea Di Nino’s guidance, looking to regain the form he had in London to tie Chad Le Clos for the 100 fly silver medal. Things changed by 2014, and the Russian was still lacking motivation.

He moved back to his native country and still struggled. But he was happy to be back home and was working with the Department of Sport as a consultant while continuing to train. When he didn’t make the world championship team, he continued to work with the Department of Sport, which he said he’s enjoyed.

He’s 32 years old, in the age range when most swimmers think about moving away from the pool into other ventures. But the motivation is still strong to make a return trip to the world’s biggest sporting event. He still has the muscle build of a sprinter, and his shaved head makes him instantly recognizable in a crowded room. He’s soft-spoken compared to his rivals, but it’s easy to tell that the fierce competitor is still inside him.

As a member of the media in Kazan at the world championships, Korotyshkin had the opportunity to participate in the special media race during the meet. Though he was not the only Olympian racing in the 50-meter heats, he set himself apart with a solid 25.00 50 butterfly. It wouldn’t have turned any heads if it had been done in an official world championship heat, but it was encouraging considering his reduced training.

“It’s always sad when you don’t compete, because you have the passion,” Korotyshkin said. “I feel like the animal in the cage. But it was not my time.

“For next year I will prepare better, but I can’t (make) a promise,” he said with a laugh. He said he’s been inspired by the recent comeback of Grant Hackett.

He stopped short of making an official declaration to train full time for the 2016 Olympics, saying his immediate future is uncertain. He mentioned the possibility of working in the dry side of the sport with the Russian Swimming Federation this fall.

“The future can bring you some surprises,” he said. “At this time I’m trying to find something interesting for my future life. I know I’ll have to decide soon, because there’s only one year left until Rio.”

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

Name*

Email*

1 Comment

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Dunc1952

8 years ago

I’m sure when he finished that 50 fly at :25.00, he remembered what the women’s record is.