Miron Lifintsev, 2nd Fastest 100 Backstroker Ever, to Miss European Champs Due to Shoulder Rehab

Miron Lifintsev, the 2nd-fastest 100 backstroker in history, will miss the upcoming European Championships while rehabbing his shoulder, which he injured last season.

In a report from Championat.com, Sergei Fesikov, the head of the Russian Aquatics Federation’s swimming directorate, explained the situation preventing Lifintsev from competing, citing his ongoing rehabilitation, as the effects of his injury have limited his full training.

“We all know that Miron suffered a shoulder injury last year and is still undergoing rehabilitation with leading specialists from the national team and the Federal Medical and Biological Agency.” Fesikov said in the report from Championat.com. “Unfortunately, the after-effects of the injury continue to bother him, preventing him from fully training and competing. Given the fierce competition in backstroke swimming within our country, to qualify for the season’s main events, he needs to be in peak condition and demonstrate strong results in qualifying events.”

Lifintsev blasted a 51.78 on the lead-off leg of the 400 mixed medley relay in Singapore last summer, making him the 2nd-fastest performer ever in the event, just behind World Record holder Thomas Ceccon‘s 51.60.

All-Time Performers, Men’s 100 Backstroke (LCM)

1. Thomas Ceccon (ITA), 51.60 – 2022
2. Miron Lifintsev (RUS), 51.78 – 2025
3. Kliment Kolesnikov (RUS), 51.82 – 2023
4. Ryan Murphy (USA) / Pieter Coetze (RSA), 51.85 – 2016 / 2025
5. –
6. Xu Jiayu (CHN), 51.86 – 2017
7. Yohann Ndoye-Brouard (FRA), 51.92 – 2025
8. Aaron Peirsol (USA), 51.94 – 2009
9. Evgeny Rylov (RUS), 51.97 – 2019
10. Hunter Armstrong (USA), 51.98 – 2022

Lifintsev competed at the Russian Championships earlier this month, where he finished 3rd in the 50 back (24.43) and 5th in the 100 back semifinals in 53.72.

He has competed in several meets this season, including the Mare Nostrum meets in Monaco, Canet, and Barcelona.

This season, Lifintsev ranks tied for 7th in the world in the 50 back in 24.43, and 14th in the world this season in the 100 back with his 53.33 from the Mare Nostrum Tour in Canet.

Fesikov mentioned that the recovery process will continue throughout this summer, with an optimistic return for the 2026 World Short Course Championships later this calendar year.

“In light of this, the coaching staff, together with the athlete, decided to continue his full recovery during the summer season.” Fesikov said. “We hope Miron will be able to recover and we’ll see him at the World Short Course Championships this season.”

The end goal for Lifintsev is still to compete in full health at the 2027 World Swimming Championships, where he will have chances to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games.

“The key training priorities have been set with an eye on the long-term 2027 World Championships, where the Olympic qualifications begin.” Fesikov said in the report to Championat.com. “We expect him there in full combat readiness.”