Sprint Legend Alexander Popov Set to Swim at Masters Worlds

Along with hosting the year’s biggest elite global swimming competition, the 2015 FINA World Swimming Championships, the city of Kazan, Russia is also gearing up to present the Masters edition of the event.  The Masters World Championships will be held in Kazan from August 5th – August 16th, with over 5,000 athletes expected to participate in the various aquatic contests.

One athlete in particular lit up the Masters swimming event entry lists already – that of the legendary Russian sprinter, Alexander Popov.  Former world record holder in the 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle events, Popov is listed as vying for Masters Worlds gold in both events within the men’s 40-44 age group.

Popov is seeded 5th in the 100m freestyle event, with an entry time of 55.00.  Brazilian Mauri Rosolen is positioned with the highest seed coming into the meet with his time of 53.65.  The 100m freestyle is slated for August 11th, while the 50m freestyle race will occur two days later on the 13th.

In the height of his career, Popov was the only man to have won Olympic gold in both the 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle events in consecutive Games, having accomplished the feat in 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta.  Popov earned his last international titles at the 2003 FINA World Championships in Barcelona, where he earned gold in both of his signature events.

Official Meet Site

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lionel
8 years ago

Well, in any case, if this is the real alexander TSAR popov swimming tomorrow, and if a video is available it would be great to share it !

Julia Danilova
8 years ago

Guys! Don’t wanna dissapoint you, but it’s not Alexander Popov you are talking about. It’s a full namesake )) His date of birth is 17/09/1971, not Nov 16th ))

It is true, I am an Executive Assistant of Masters Swimming Federation of Russia and I have all the passports of our registered swimmers.

Sorry! 🙂

Coachlad
Reply to  Julia Danilova
8 years ago

Julia,
Can you please tell me if Vlad Pyshnenko registered for this meet?

jiggs
8 years ago

Why is that guy always in my age group?!!

coachvlad
8 years ago

Alex not planning to swim at Masters World.

Stoyle
8 years ago

Popov won golds in the 2003 Barcelona WC not 2013. Would’ve been some Dara Torres level stuff to win in ’13

coachvlad
Reply to  Retta Race
8 years ago

Loretta, its just a guy with same first and last name…

kcswimjk
Reply to  coachvlad
8 years ago

Really?! Wow.

Man, it’s got to be tough to be a masters swimmer named Alex Popov. You’re just never going to live up to expectations, no matter how fast you are.

Buster
Reply to  coachvlad
8 years ago

… and born the same year (1971) and doing 50 and 100 free. There’s another one there born in 1985, though

The Screaming Viking!
8 years ago

Please, Biondi and Jager show up and race him. Pretty please!!

Acoach
8 years ago

Would love to see it. 52,75

Markster
Reply to  Acoach
8 years ago

Swimmer in early 40s of his caliber? …eh, I would go as far as to say he can hit 51

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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