Regional Finswimming Competition in memory of S.N. Yastrebov – Russia

From October 29 to 31, 2024, the city of Biysk in the Altai region hosted the annual Regional Finswimming Competition in honor of the distinguished Russian coach, S.N. Yastrebov. This event, held at the 50-meter Zarya swimming pool, drew young athletes from various regions, all eager to demonstrate their skills and compete for top placements in a range of finswimming disciplines.

The competition celebrated the legacy of S.N. Yastrebov, an Honored Coach of Russia, known for his contributions to the sport and dedication to nurturing young talent. The atmosphere in Biysk was both festive and intense, as athletes paid tribute through their performances, showcasing the discipline and precision Yastrebov inspired throughout his career.

Participants represented clubs from Biysk, Gorno-Altaysk, Novosibirsk, and other cities, with local club MBU DO “Delfin” leading in terms of representation. Competitors included various age groups, starting with junior categories up to advanced young athletes, highlighting the inclusivity and developmental focus of this event. Young athletes from the 2013 to 2016 birth years competed in individual and team events, demonstrating their progress in speed, technique, and stamina.

In the boys’ 100-meter finswimming events, standout performances were seen across multiple age categories. For instance, Semen Shleinik from Biysk achieved a remarkable 55.99 seconds, taking first place in the 2015-2016 age group, while Dmitry Grankin from Novosibirsk closely followed with a time of 58.36 seconds. In the same age range for girls, Nina Chuy from Biysk topped the leaderboard with a 1:02.69, showing exceptional skill and dedication at a young age .

Events were competitive across the board, with some close finishes and notable achievements. In the 100-meter classic finswimming discipline, the races were particularly intense. The swimmers not only competed for individual accolades but also strived to meet higher standards in hopes of qualifying for more advanced competitions. Coaches were on hand to guide and support the athletes, highlighting the strong mentorship legacy Yastrebov left behind.

The Zarya pool, although not equipped with an electronic timing system, was prepared to host this important regional event. The manual timing setup did not diminish the accuracy or enthusiasm of the competition, with officials and volunteers working efficiently to ensure smooth timing and fair results for all races. The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing not only the top placements but also the spirit and dedication of all participants, honoring Yastrebov’s enduring influence on Russian finswimming.

Overall, the 2024 Regional Finswimming Competition in memory of S.N. Yastrebov was a resounding success, reflecting both the rich tradition of finswimming in Russia and the promising future of the sport. This annual competition continues to inspire young athletes to pursue excellence, reinforcing the values of hard work and perseverance that Yastrebov championed throughout his coaching career.

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