The Moscow 5K Open Water Swimming Championship was, as always, a tough competition for the elites and an enjoyable one for everyone else. “We are very pleased that every year the number of participants is increasing with several world and European champions also competing. We are planning to hold a stage of the World Cup, so these championship is a rehearsal,” said Stanislav Lyovochkon.
The championships, like many other elite competitions, also held an open relay race for all swimmers of any age and ability.
Ekaterina Seliverstova (shown above at the 2009 World Swimming Championships), one of the fastest women in the world between 5 and 10K, finished ahead of another world-class distance swimmer, world championship medalist Anna Uvarova. “Every year, I come here to take part in the competition. I like this event very much. For me, it was more a sort of training session and I was confident that I’d win. This victory will inspire me for the forthcoming World Championships.”
With three world championship silver medals and three fourth-place finishes under her cap since 2003, Ekaterina is knocking at the door of a gold medal.
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff.