Earlier this week, members of the Russian National Swim Team returned to pool training in Kazan where elite athletes were allowed to train in compliance with a number of restrictive measures.\u00a0Since March, athletes have not had the opportunity to train in the pool due to the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n

$\"veronika-andrusenko\"$

Veronica Andrusenko, nee Popova – Photo Courtesy: Becca Wyant<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cIn Kazan, they are allowed into the pool wearing masks and gloves,”\u00a0Veronika Andrusenko <\/strong>told Russian News Agency RIA Novosti<\/a>. “You come in and they measure the temperature, spray your hands with an antiseptic when you take off your gloves. There are one or two people on the track so as not to disturb discipline and social distance. The trainers on the sides are wearing masks and gloves. But the sensations from the water are amazing! You understand how you missed this, why you were in a bad mood.”<\/p>\n

Andrusenko, formerly Popova, commented that being back in the pool made her realize just how much she missed the water.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue, it\u2019s a bit heavy in the first trainings after the break. Yes, we tried to stay in good shape at home, trained, even bought a treadmill, but there was little work on hand. The density in the water is different, and everything is going heavy, a lot of stress on the shoulders. But the very sensations of being in the water are very high, you realize how much you missed it and how you expected it,” she added.<\/p>\n

Andrusenko turned 29 in January and is aiming for her third Olympic Games in Tokyo with the Russian National Swim Team. She has finished as high as sixth in the 200 freestyle at the 2012 Games. Andrusenko holds two World Championships medals in relays.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n
A post shared by Evgeny Rylov (@evgesh.rylov2396)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n