“Finally, I Won Gold” – Michael Andrew Recaps World Cup Kazan

FINA WORLD CUP SERIES – KAZAN

The penultimate stop of the 2019 FINA World Cup Series wrapped up today in Kazan, Russia, with the likes of Australians Kaylee McKeown and Cate CampbellLithuanian dynamo Danas Rapsys and Russian breaststroking ace Anton Chupkov gathering more gold.

Refresh yourself on the action from the past 3 days with the recap links above, then hear from the athletes themselves below, with quotes courtesy of FINA.

Kaylee McKeown (AUS)

Teenager Kaylee McKeown busted out a time of 2:07.92 in the women’s 200m back on the final night to easily edge out fellow Aussie Emily Seebohm. Seebohm settled for silver in 2:08.45.

Of her race, McKeown stated, “I am out of breath, but happy.

“The competition was really close. I swam next to Emily Seebohm, who is a great master, and there were a number of other strong competitors in the final race. I could not expect I would clock the better time though. It’s pretty good, as it’s my first appearance in the World Cup-2019.”

McKeown also took 100m back gold (59.25) and 200m IM silver (2:13.04) in Kazan.

Emily Seebohm (AUS)

“I can definitely swim faster.  I have just switched coaches. I have been with my new coach since June. It’s really just about building the races and the back-up. I am going for my next Olympics, and the fourth Olympics will be a challenge for me indeed.”

Seebohm took 100m back bronze (59.63) and 200m back silver (2:08.45) as individual medals at this meet.

Cate Campbell (AUS)

Aussie Cate Campbellgot it done in the women’s 100m freestyle to wrap up her meet. Clocking the only sub-53 second time of the field, C1 split 25.28/27.48 to register a gold medal-worthy effort of 52.76.

That time is just off her 52.51 scorcher from Berlin, but her quickest this season was the 52.34 notched in Jinan, China at the beginning of her World Cup campaign.

C1 said of her performance, “I am very happy to register another gold, and the field was very fast, which was a bit challenging.

“I always try to compete against myself, and every time I strive to do something better and improve the result. That was a very good swim for me, to win was definitely a bonus. I have been doing a lot of races during the past 6 weeks. This is my 5th competition to go, and I think I am racing myself into a good physical condition.”

C1 won the women’s 50m free in 24.08, as well as 50m fly silver in 26.08.

Arina Surkova (RUS)

Arina Surkova of Russia was the women’s 50m fly winner, getting the only sub-26 second time of the field in 25.62. She took down her own Russian record in the event, holding off Aussie national record holder Cate Campbell in the process. C1 touched in 26.08, while Jeanette Ottesen of Denmark rounded out the top 3 in 26.11. You can read more about Surkova’s record-setting swim here.

On her swim, Surkova stated, “I enjoyed swimming today, as much as I did yesterday on the shorter course in the same stroke. I could not imagine, that I would be able to cut so much off the morning session. This result is my personal best ever, and I am asking myself why I did not do so well at the FINA World Championships this July.”

Surkova also won the 100m fly in 57.78.

Katinka Hosszu (HUN)

30-year-old Katinka Hosszu wrapped up her 300th elite international gold medal when she topped the women’s 200m fly podium on night 1. Registering a time of 2:08.23, Hosszu beat out teammate Zsuzsanna Jakabos who touched just over half a second later in 2:08.76. Korean national record holder An Sehyeon produced a time of 2:10.69 for bronze.

On her 200m fly, Hosszu stated, “I love swimming in Kazan. The swimming pool is pretty fast. I am happy with the race, I am happy with the gold. The preparations towards the Olympics are in full swing, and swimming is the best training.”

Hosszu also won the 400m IM in 4:36.77 and the 200m IM in 2:09.60.

Mikhail Vekovishchev (RUS)

Russian Mikhail Vekovishchev fired off the fastest 100m fly time of his career for gold. Splitting 23.95/27.61, the 21-year-old multi-World Championships relay medalist stopped the clock in a mighty 51.56, a time that shaved .06 off of his own PB of 51.62 produced earlier this year.

On his 100m fly, Vekovishchev said, “I am grateful to my competitors for the competition, which whirled up the race and had a proper influence on timing for everyone.

“I have managed to clock my best time ever, which is a good omen for me before the National Championships start. Once again, my opponents were very very strong, and I feel proud to register a defeat against Michael Andrew for the second time this year”.

Along with Vekovishchev’s 51.56 100m fly, he took bronze in the 100m free in a time of 48.41.

Michael Andrew (USA)

Michael Andrew snagged his sole gold for Kazan on the final night, taking the men’s 50m fly in a time of 23.14. That held off Russia’s Andrey Zhilkin, who finished in 23.26, while Hungary’s Szebastian Szabo took bronze in 23.33.

Andrew owns a personal best of 22.80 in this event, a time he logged at this year’s World Championships. His time tonight still checks-in among his top 10 personal performances, however.

“Finally I won gold,” said Andrew post-race. “That was the goal. Overall I am happy about Kazan’s leg of the Swimming World Cup. I clocked rather solid times, which is a good sign before Doha, which will be a very important match-up for all.”

Andrew took 100m fly silver (51.86), 50m free silver (22.03) and 50m back silver (54.60) over the course of the meet.

Jhennifer Conceicao (BRA)

Jhennifer Conceicao of Brazil notched the only sub-31 second outing in the women’s 50m breast. She touched in 30.68 for the win, not terribly off her own national record of 30.42 from Mare Nostrum Monte Carlo.

“The time is not that great,” said the Brazilian.

“Now I feel better than the day before, maybe I am overcoming the jet-leg, which had some impact on my conditions. I had a long way to Kazan. 3 weeks ago I was in China. I am happy I could stay competitive in this great event.”

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Sprintdude9000
4 years ago

Honestly find it hilarious seeing how worked up everyone gets about YOZHIKs comments and how little he/she seems to care as a result. 😂

Jred
4 years ago

Wait up. Where is seebohm swimming now?

Jred
Reply to  Jred
4 years ago

Interesting. Last push to try steal a spot on the Olympic team I suppose.

She could be a top 5 backstroker in the world next year and still miss the Australian team the way Mina and Kaylee are swimming.

Troyy
Reply to  Jred
4 years ago

She’d already moved to Bohl before her failure to qualify for Gwangju.

Roaring
Reply to  Troyy
4 years ago

Yes. Was probably going to be tricky swimming under Lush with Atherton as well

BairnOwl
Reply to  Roaring
4 years ago

But they were training together fine for years? Atherton was a contender at the 2016 Olympic trials as well; she came 3rd in the 100 back and was just a few tenths behind 2nd place.

Jred
Reply to  Loretta Race
4 years ago

I actually commented on that article. Whoops.

Yozhik
4 years ago

To my responders. My post was addressed to FCT and FCT only. And honestly speaking nobody invited you to the discussion breaking taboo of Art and self-proclaimed “The Ruler of Swimswam Community”.
But I’m glad you read it and learned about these 300 medals. I am more than positive nobody of you and even Hungarian commentators knew that that is all about World Cup only. That is how misleading was the information.
Well that is the faith of any teacher. They never see results of their tough job and frequently underappreciated dedication to put some knowledge in the head of their students. Such is a life and we can do nothing about it.
😀 😀 😀

Yozhik
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

You are talking like our politicians: American people want to know; or Americans deserve to be informed., etc. Who gave you permission to speak on behalf of other people who are visiting this site. Next time expressing your personal opinion say “me” or “I” (whatever is grammatically appropriate). Don’t use “we” or “us”. The Swimswam is a private business first of all and only managers or owner of it are setting rules here. This public forum is public to the level they want to have it. If they want to shut me up they can do it easily without your advice and be sure they did it on multiple occasions. You are same guest here as I am. So behave… Read more »

Luigi
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

Yozhik, you don’t really believe that somebody on this site thought those 300 golds were gained at WCs or Olympics, do you?

Yozhik
Reply to  Luigi
4 years ago

I personally took it originally that “elite international gold medals” meant indeed elite meets such as Olympics, WC, EC, Mare Nostrum etc. World Cup was the last thing that came to my mind because I never considered it elite unless quality performance competition was introduced. If you were aware from the very beginning that they are World Cup medals only (that are junk mostly and there is nothing to celebrate) then why didn’t you tell that. The question was raised immediately as soon as this article was published.
BTW same confusion was with the BROWNISH as well. And he as a Hungarian should’ve known Hosszu better than me.

Octopus
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

Itf you read the title it was well hidden there” Katinka Hosszu consigue su oro número 300 en la COPA DEL MUNDO” 🙂
the same was yesterday in English

Yozhik
Reply to  Octopus
4 years ago

No I haven’t read that. But you people don’t listen (or don’t want to) to my concern. Just recently Swimswam reported about 100 World Cup medals of Vladimir Morozov. No mentioning about their being elite, despite I’m sure they are of higher quality than Hosszu’s ones. Can you explain me why? Why whenever it comes to Hosszu it is always exaggeration? Why not to tell how it is. Who are interested in creation of this Cult?

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

Curious, why do you consider Morozov’s World Cup medals “of higher quality” than Hosszu’s medals? Hosszu can’t help it that she crushes the rest of the world in IM events.

And there is no exaggeration about Hosszu on this site. She is one of the all time greats of the sport and this site reports her greatness.

Yozhik
Reply to  SAMUEL HUNTINGTON
4 years ago

You have already unshakable opinion. What is the reason of this discussion if numbers are not involved. All your other arguments are a matter of taste.

Samuel Huntington
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

Offer some numbers to show that Hosszu is not a great. She has three individual Olympic golds, more than all current swimmers minus Ledecky.

Your argument of higher quality medals by Morozov is a matter of taste. Numbers for him – 0 individual Olympic medals.

Yozhik
Reply to  Samuel Huntington
4 years ago

“Hosszu can’t help it that she crushes the rest of the world in IM events.”
It’s true whenever the rest of the world is presented by low level swimmers.
During last 9 years after suit era Hosszu was #1 in 400IM 4 times.
Whenever she was #1 the rest of the world was “crashed” by
0.8sec in 2013; by 0.32sec in 2015; by 4.79sec in 2016; by 2:09sec in 2017
That is how “crush” myth is created by people like you. The only “crushing” result is 4:26 that is extremely suspicious.
Please, stop this discussion at this point and do home work yourself next time.

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

you failed to respond to my comment. she is without a doubt the greatest female IM swimmer of the last 10 years. why do you not want to accept this? I am not stopping anytime soon. If you are in the USA i would love to talk to you in person.

Yozhik
Reply to  SAMUEL HUNTINGTON
4 years ago

Yes, she is an IMer that has a great deal of achievements and let’s look at her career under this angle without exaggeration, and all this “crush”, “iron” and other bs.
There were plenty of swimmers during last 10 years who indeed crushed the competition or showed indeed iron will and stamina and determination that Hosszu can only dream about. And none of them trying capitalize on that. Last Olympics is a good example. I respect them for that and disrespect Hosszu for making myth about herself.
But that is as I already mentioned is a matter of taste.

Yozhik
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

As a Hosszu’s admirer tell me what do you think Hosszu’s best season is.

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

fine

2013 Worlds gold in 200 and 400 IM
2015 Worlds gold in 200 and 400 IM
2016 Olympics gold in 200 and 400 IM
2017 Worlds gold in 200 and 400 IM
2019 Worlds gold in 200 and 400 IM

she has the WR in 200 and 400 IM

the only swimmers in recent history with a stretch like this are Phelps and Ledecky.

At Rio she won 3 individual golds and a silver, the best haul of any swimmer there. I would consider that her best season.

Please provide specific examples of swimmers that Hosszu “can only dream about”. You have provided none so far.

SAMUEL HUNTINGTON
Reply to  SAMUEL HUNTINGTON
4 years ago

thanks for offering some more numbers. Waiting for Yoshik to share some numbers that prove Hosszu isn’t an all time great.

Holmes
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

Are you russian?

Yozhik
Reply to  Holmes
4 years ago

No, but Russian is the language I was educated on.

Yozhik
4 years ago

@FCT ONLY:
WARNING! Readers who warship Hosszu please skip this post.
You asked me questions other day about Hosszu. I don’t know if you were really expecting answers, but you never indicated that those questions were rhetorical ones. So here are some answers. Don’t be so incautious next time 😀
…Katinka Hosszu wrapped up her 300th elite international gold medal…
Inexperienced reader may assume subconsciously that the word “elite” refers to or definitely includes prestigious meets with strong competitions, the like of continental or worlds or even Olympic ones. And 300 of such?! Wow!!!
There is the a site (see link below) that if correct says that we are talking most likely about World Cup… Read more »

coachymccoachface
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

Please go find another sport and annoy the fans there

Pvdh
Reply to  coachymccoachface
4 years ago

Lmfao for real.

Troyy
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

You’re real stalker material.

Samuel Huntington
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

You have become the worst commenter on here.

Ol' Longhorn
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

Cease and desist. Signed, The SwimSwam Community.

ArtVanDeLegh10
Reply to  Ol' Longhorn
4 years ago

Stop replying to the guy

Texas Tap Water
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

Request Granted! I’m skipping your post, but not before I downvoted your post.

John
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

« … warship Hosszu » 

Appropriate

The perfect high elbow
Reply to  Yozhik
4 years ago

‘warship Hosszu’. Damn.. The iron lady is coming in to do some damage now. Thanks for the heads up

Ol' Longhorn
4 years ago

Swim the dad-gum 200 IM.

anonymous
Reply to  Ol' Longhorn
4 years ago

He swam it at Budapest Cup and won it in 1:59.0 Today he swam 50 fly and 100 back

Ol' Longhorn
Reply to  anonymous
4 years ago

He needs reps.

Pvdh
4 years ago

A moment that will go down in history. They’ll write songs about it

Qqq
Reply to  Pvdh
4 years ago

I think the NJ state lottery already took “you gotta be in it to win it”

Heyitsme
4 years ago

In a 50

Olympian
Reply to  Heyitsme
4 years ago

Id love to see you try

Heyitsme
Reply to  Olympian
4 years ago

Ok

Olympian
Reply to  Heyitsme
4 years ago

Guess it’s easier to talk trash on the internet uh?!

About Retta Race

Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having just earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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