From January 10-12, 2025, the “Neptune” swimming pool in Novosibirsk transformed into a vibrant hub for underwater sports as it hosted the prestigious Cup of Novosibirsk Region. The competition, conducted in the 50-meter pool equipped with advanced ALGE-TIMING technology, brought together 240 athletes from across the region to compete in apnea, finswimming, and diving disciplines.
The event was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports of Novosibirsk Region and the city’s sports administration. Key contributors included the Novosibirsk Regional Federation of Underwater Sports and the local sports schools specializing in aquatic disciplines, showcasing a collaborative effort to promote and elevate underwater sports.
The competition featured a series of thrilling races, where athletes demonstrated their skills, endurance, and agility. In the women’s 100-meter finswimming event, Polina Belikova emerged victorious with a time of 43.18 seconds, followed closely by Sofia Kalabina and Sofya Ushakova, both displaying remarkable performances. On the men’s side, Stanislav Sorokin took the gold in the same discipline with an impressive 37.46 seconds, narrowly edging out Vladislav Grefenshteyn in a neck-and-neck finish.
Longer distance races highlighted the athletes’ stamina and strategic prowess. The 400-meter finswimming race for women was won by Maria Patlasova, clocking in at 3:11.42, while Fedor Kozlenko dominated the men’s event with a time of 3:24.07.
Apnea competitions captivated the audience, particularly in the 50-meter diving category, where Lydia Stadnik clinched the top spot among women with a time of 16.80 seconds, demonstrating unparalleled breath control and speed. Among men, Vladimir Zhuravlev secured gold with an exceptional 14.74 seconds.
The event also served as a platform for emerging talent, with several young athletes achieving personal bests and gaining valuable experience. Coaches and officials praised the high level of organization and the athletes’ dedication, emphasizing the importance of such competitions in fostering the growth of underwater sports.
As the Cup concluded, it left a lasting impression on both participants and spectators, further cementing Novosibirsk’s reputation as a leading center for aquatic sports in Russia. The success of the event highlights the region’s commitment to developing underwater disciplines and nurturing future champions.
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