Egor Kornev on Euro Champs: “My Goal is to Arrive, Do my Job… Improve my Results, and Leave”

European Swimming Championships

• August 10-16, 2026
• Paris, France — Olympic Aquatics Centre
• LCM (50 Meters)
• Meet Information
• Meet Central
• Roster Index

As the European Championships draw near, eyes will be set on the continent’s top talents as they look to continue a record-breaking season in the pool. Among the biggest breakout stars this season has been Russian sprinting sensation Egor Kornev, whose goals are about as cut and dry as they could be.

In a report from Sport Express, Russia’s national team head coach Andrey Shishin set his squad’s medal goal at 20 medals, though he says that goal is based on last year’s performances.

“This figure was based on last year’s performances, as well as last year’s world and European rankings. We are analyzing all of our competitors from other teams. Our current medal target is ambitious. No one has ever announced anything like this.” Shishin said in the report. “We want Russian swimming to be at the forefront of the world. That’s why we’re setting our goals high. I see that our athletes are eager to win, compete, and return to the European arena.”

The Russian European Championships team comprises 44 athletes, though one of the biggest threats to bring home medals for the Russian team is Egor Kornev, whose breakout at the Russian Championships suggests he is set up to do just that.

In that same report from Sport Express, Kornev outlined his goals: nothing in particular, but that he is going to the European Championships with a purpose and to get the job done.

“My goal is to arrive, do my job, hopefully improve my results, and leave.” Kornev siad. “That’s it. Then we’ll see what my placement will be.”

Kornev became the #5 performer all-time in the men’s 50 freestyle at the Russian Championships in June, clocking 21.06, making him a favorite to capture gold in the event in Paris next month. That time also puts him as the 2nd-fastest performer in the world this season, only trailing Australia’s Cam McEvoy, who clocked a world-record-breaking time of 20.88 at the China Open.

In addition to that swim, Kornev also lit the 100 free on fire, blasting a 46.96, moving him up to a tie for 6th all-time in the event, and making him just the 7th man in history to crack that 47-second barrier.

His success did not stop there, as Kornev would also clock a world-leading 50 fly time in 22.59.