MEDAL TABLE 1 CHN 14 10 10 34 2 USA 12 11 5 28 3 RUS 9 4 3 16

The FINA World Championships

Herald - 2015 Sunday, 9 August №  Katie Ledecky confirmed her status as the star swimmer of the 2015 FINA World Championships with yet another stunning performance to smash her own 800m freestyle world record. She sliced a huge 3.61 seconds off her previous best from last year and became the first woman in history to win gold in the 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m individual freestyle at a single tournament. Throw in a 4x200m relay gold and world records at 800 and 1500 and you’ve got a recipe for stardom. You’ve also got a career tally of nine world titles – bettered only by team-mate Missy Franklin. But after becoming the first woman to swim below 8:10 Ledecky, 18, insisted that her time of 8:07.39 wasn’t the most important thing for her. “It’s great to finish my championships on a real high note,” she said. “I knew I could do something but I would have been happy with just the gold. “I’m proud of the week as a whole. It could have been really tiring and it was, some days were really hard, but I recovered well and I did what I need to do to set myself up each time I got on the blocks. I’m just proud of how I handled my races and how well the week has gone.” P Katie the Great >>>>>> 56

The FINA World Championships Herald-2015 Sunday, August 9, 2015 INDIVIDUAL AWARDS Dusko Pijetlovic () - MVP

Josip Pavic (Croatia) Alexandr Axenov () DAY  Petar Muslim (Croatia) Ioannis Fountoulis () (Italy) Aaron Younger (Australia)

WATER POLO • MEN • FINAL By Andy Potts, Matthew Luxmoore, Aly Keita, photo: Ramil Gilvanov PERFECT SERBIA POWERS TO GOLD The champions go unbeaten from start to fi nish

re-tournament favourites Montenegro. Croatia improve by one Serbia wrapped up a fl awless spot from that tournament, turning PWorld Championships with a bronze into silver. devastating 11-4 win over Croatia in The bronze medal game saw the gold-medal game. a reversal of fortune for Italy. 24 There was a slight wobble early hours earlier the Azzurri women on as Croatia grabbed a 2-0 lead took bronze in a penalty shoot-out but it didn’t take long for Serbia against Australia, but on Saturday it to regroup. Andrija Prlainoviс and was heartbreak for the men as they Dusan Mandic tied the game in the lost in similar fashion to Greece after fi rst quarter and Croatia’s hopes a 7-7 tie. faded fast. The result secures Greece’s place The second session saw the Serbs in Rio for next year’s Olympics and take control. Prlainovic was on the it was just about deserved after a scoresheet once again before Milos game where Italy never managed Cuk converted on a power play. to get ahead. The fi rst half ended with another There was only one goal in a Croatian indiscretion punished as niggly opening: Christos Afroudakis, Filip Filipovic wrapped up a quick the Greek captain, led by example pass-and-shoot move to make it to open the scoring at 5:12. The 5-2. The favourites were in complete slow scoring continued in the command and the destiny of the second period, with the large crowd prize was already assured. frustrated by the tension in the pool Now it was time for a bit of style. after Italy levelled the scores. Finally Stefan Mitrovic twisted his way down Angelos Vlachopoulos managed the left and smashed it past Josip to keep his composure, scoring Pavic. Croatian fans were already two quick goals to put the Greeks suggesting it was time to turn out in control. Italy struck back with the lights as their team’s chances seconds to go until half time when faded into darkness but in the pool delivered from the left. their players fi nally found the net The second half was livelier: the once again to end a 14-minute goal teams traded goals freely in the third drought. period with Greece coming out 7-6 That merely delayed the up with eight minutes to play. inevitable: Serbia was putting on a But they couldn’t hold that lead. show, with tournament MVP Dusko A penalty shot from Figlioli midway Pijetlovic bagging his 11th goal of through the fi nal session tied the the campaign before Prlainovic scores yet again and neither side completed his -trick in front of a could fashion a medal-winning furious Croatian coach. Nikola Jaksic breakthrough in the closing moments wrapped the scoring and the gold despite both teams hitting the post. medal party could begin. That set up a shoot-out and For Serbia victory is a huge leap Greece successfully converted all from 2013 when they fi nished seventh four shots while goalie Konstantinos in Barcelona. It’s the country’s second Flegkas was the hero with saves from World title, although they also won and Francesco di in 2005 competing as Serbia & Fulvio.

WHAT THEY SAID

Dusan Mandic, Serbia incredible. We managed to prove national sport so of course we back to Greece. I told the guys will mean a lot of joy for the people We played for our country. We to ourselves and all the others that wanted to repeat our win in 2007 before the penalty shoot-out of Greece, and a ray of light in their put our soul into every play, we all we are at the moment playing the but Serbia were just too good. that this is a historical moment, everyday lives.” played as a team. That’s the main best , that we have the Congratulations to them. I congratulated them on what reason why we won like this. To best atmosphere in the team. That’s they did in this tournament. I told Pietro Figlioli, Italy win the final 11-4 is unreal. I don’t our strength, and I’m so happy to Head coach Vlachos them that whatever happens, for We had enough passion. But they know how long it will take to really be part of this team. You cannot Theodoros, Greece me they are the winners and that played their usual game, with the understand what we’ve achieved expect to win a final in the way I think we deserved the win. I think they deserve a medal. And they same skills they showed in the first here. We were like one, breathing we did tonight, but when the team we had a good advantage during should shoot without any stress, game (10:11) against us. It’s difficult for each other. We played like a is motivated like this, when the the game, we controlled it. We without pressure. to always chase a team that is real team and tonight we were whole team is so unique, like we conceded one stupid goal at the end ahead. The Greeks are strong. unbeatable. We’ve had great were tonight, then miracles happen. of the third quarter, a goal that you Goalie and captain Unfortunately, today we lost out support during the championships can’t concede in a final. But I also Flegkas Konstantinos, in the penalty shoot-out but I am and it was a privilege to play here Andelo Setka, Croatia felt that we couldn’t lose this game. Greece really proud of my team mates, in an atmosphere like this. They were better than us. We I think for six games we played We couldn’t lose the match, there especially the youngsters. We didn’t started very well but after they fantastic polo, we are ready to was just no way. This win does not have an easy World Championships Andrija Prlainovic, Serbia got those two goals back we beat anybody, and it would have only mean the bronze medal, but together, we had a lot of ups and Our power is in our team spirit, and didn’t have any answer on offence. been a pity for my team not to also qualification for Rio de Janeiro downs but we won fourth place the spirit that we showed here is In Croatia water polo is like a take something in our luggage – so this is a big thing for us. This in the world. 56

The FINA World Championships Herald - 2015 Sunday, August 9, 2015 KATIE LEDECKY, TODAY’S RECORDS the fi rst women to win over 200, 400, 800 and 1500m at one World Championships “It means a lot. It’s really neat to say that I’ve done something that nobody has 8:07.39 Women’s 800m. Katie Ledecky (USA) ever done before. When people say I inspire the rest of the team that really means something to me. I always try to look up at my team-mates in the stands and fi re them up a bit. They all did really well in that last relay and I couldn’t be happier with 3:23.05 Mixed 4x100 freestyle relay. USA being part of this night. I’m not going to be again here but I’ll be up in the stands cheering my head o .”

SWIMMING WHAT THEY SAID By Matthew Luxmoore and Andy Potts, photo Rinat Nazmetdinov ‘Kazan is gorgeous!’ It’s not just about the medals. Swimmers at the FINA World Championships told the Herald’s Aly Keita what they will remember of Kazan, even without a prize to take home.

Farida Osmam (EGY) – 56 50m Butterfl y I feel pretty good, I broke my best time, and set a new Egyptian record here. I was so proud to get to the fi nal. I really like the fans, the venues and the way they’ve turned the stadium into a pool here. The organisation is great and the pool is amazing.

Dominique Bouchard (CAN) – 200m Back I think it was my best race of the week but it’s only my 3rd time under 2:09, so I am happy with my performance here. I achieved my goal of reaching the fi nal. The support here was amazing. It was the same at the Pan-Ams a couple of weeks ago and the atmosphere really helps the athletes to do their best. The pool was excellent as well and I will leave with good memories of Kazan.

Fanny Lecluyse (BEL) – 50m Breast Women. 50m butterfl y. I am disappointed because I wanted to reach the fi nal here. If I’d matched my 24.96 Sweden Sarah US ACE POWERS TO Sjostrom time in the heat, I’d be there today. But Jeanette 25.34 Denmark Ottesen I got to three semi-fi nals and two years ago I could never have dreamed of that so 25.37 China Lu Ying FIFTH GOLD IN KAZAN this is great motivation to make the fi nal Men. 50m freestyle. next time. The championships here are really wonderful and so is the organisation. 21.19 France Florent Cont. from p1. kin’s double in the men’s back- not normal for me. I asked myself Manaudou Swimming in a football stadium is just Adrian stroke events. ‘why you aren’t in front after the 21.52 USA Nathan huge. You get on the blocks and the crowd Franklin added another gold to “I guess I noticed that I was a bit start as usual’ and it was frustrat- is so excited, it’s gorgeous. 21.55 Bruno her collection as she helped the fl at and fatigued,” she said. “It’s day ing. I wasn’t fast today but it was Fratus USA to victory in the mixed 4x100 seven of the championships and I’ve enough to win,” he said. “This was Women. 200m back. Anna Santamans (FRA) - freestyle relay. She anchored the been doing the same thing every the only race I expected to win here, 50m Free: 2:05.81 Australia Emily team to glory in a dramatic finale, day. I knew that it wasn’t going to so the 4x100m and the 50m fl y were Seebohm I expected to swim faster but the starter Missy helping to set a new world record be easy and I had to trick my mind great surprises.” 2:06.34 USA Franklin kept us waiting a bit too long in my of 3:23.05 and shattering home into thinking I was better than I was Chad Le Clos of South Africa suc- opinion. My start wasn’t so good so I 2:06.84 Hungary Katinka hopes of a medal in the process. actually feeling. cessfully defended his world title in Hosszu was struggling to catch the others. But She then praised Ledecky for the “Watching Mitch was inspiring. the 100m butterfl y, becoming the Men. 100m butterfl y. it’s special for any athlete to be in a world way she had led the Americans by He told me to go out there and get third man to do so after Americans championship and this was my first time. I 50.56 South Africa Chad le example here in Kazan. that double, saying ‘I know you can Michael Phelps and Ian Crocker. Clos made some mistakes but I will learn from Lazslo I’ve been telling Katie she’s do- do it’. It was all about sticking to Coming ahead in a tight race at Ka- 50.87 Hungary Cseh them. The stadium was a beautiful venue ing a great job,” she said. “She’s that race plan.” zan Arena, Le Clos denied Hungarian Joseph for these championships. 50.96 Singapore been amazing. It was awesome to The 50m events brought golds Laszlo Cseh a 100m-200m double Schooling watch her from the ready room for Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom in the at fl y in these world championships. Women. 800m free. Jonatan Josef Kopelev (ISR) – and whenever she swims she has women’s 50m butterfl y and French Joseph Schooling’s bronze gave Sin- 50m Back: 8:07.39 USA Katie this ability to lift the entire team’s sprinter Florent Manaudou in the gapore its fi rst ever swimming med- Ledecky My personal best is 24.93 and I wanted to Lauren spirit. That’s so special and it’s men’s 50m freestyle. For Sjorstrom al at a FINA championship. 8:17.65 New Zealand Boyle get close to that here. It’s disappointing been amazing watching her. I’m it was a second gold of the cham- “Tonight was a big night for me that I couldn’t do it, but I have another Great Britain Jaz sure there’s even brighter things to pionships after she set a new world and my country,“ said le Clos. “I’m very 8:18.15 Carlin year to train before Rio. I think the come in the future.” record on the way to winning the happy to be here in . When I organisation here was the best ever. Mixed 4x100 freestyle relay. Franklin also picked up a silver 100m. touched the wall it was mixed emo- The transport, the hotels, the pool … in the 200m back, where Austral- Manaudou won a spectacular tions, I felt overwhelmed by the oc- 3:23.05 USA everything was awesome. I love being in ia’s Emily Seebohm added a second sprint despite feeling the pressure as casion. I used to be a footballer and Kazan – my name is Kopelev and both my gold to her 100m triumph. he edged out (USA) I dreamed of playing for Manchester 3:23.17 Netherlands parents are from Russia. I speak a bit of She admitted she had to over- and Bruno Fratus (Brazil) United with Cristiano Ronaldo, and the language so it was good to talk with come fatigue to claim the title but “I wasn’t really calm, I wasn’t in here I got to star in a football stadi- 3:23.59 Canada people here. took inspiration from Mitchell Lar- front just after the fi rst 15m and it’s um so thank you to Kazan!” 4 The FINA World Championships Herald - 2015 Sunday, August 9, 2015 Water of Life

ARENA By Daria Turceva, photo: Rinat Nazmetdinov SCHEDULE

TIME EVENT THE FINAL CADENCE 9 AUGUST Today sees the last day of swimming action at SWIMMING Kazan Arena. Starting tomorrow the temporary 17.32 Men's 50m back Final

stands and swimming pools will be dismantled. 17.39 Women's 50m breast Final

17.47 Men's 400m IM Final

18.05 Women's 50m freestyle Final

18.20 Men's 1500m freestyle Final

18.49 Women's 400m IM Final

19.07 Men's 4x100m medley relay Final

19.25 Women's 4x100m medley relay Final

FANS Other sports stadiums that have been reconstructed By Daria Turceva, Photo: Ramil Gilvanov to host the FINA World Championships: THE SHOW ENDS, t was built as a football stadium, in- 2007, Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena (tennis) tended to host the 2018 World Cup, THE PARTY CONTINUES but in just three years Kazan Arena has I 2013, Barcelona, Palau Sant Jordi (basketball) The FINA Water World Park is staying open until August 16 staged concerts, hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of Universiade, seen a few football matches for Rubin and – underwater speakers, so that the athletes Journalists who have been working at for the last couple of weeks – served as a could hear the music. the championships also rated it a success. world-class swimming pool “It’s a gorgeous swimming pool. I know Dmitry Gurbeniev, the voice of Russian In early 2015 soccer made way for swim- that everyone adores it. The stadium is sport on national TV, said: “What a great ming. The stadium was closed for recon- enormous but it does not seem huge. stadium! The energy is incredible and the struction: concrete blocks were laid on the There’s no pressure. It is good that spec- crowds in Kazan are just awesome.” playing field to form a foundation for spe- tators are close to the pool, and the press On August 7 some of the FINA cham- cial flooring and two Olympic-sized swim- stands are far from it. In Barcelona the pool pions came to a youth party in the arena. ming pools. One is used for competitions, was in a basketball stadium. The fans were Of course, the swimming pool has been a the other for warming up. far away. But in Kazan we have a good, bit hit but now it’s time to invite the players Two temporary stands were built comfortable pool,” said Russia’s head syn- and fans of Kazan’s popular Rubin Football around the competition pool. It greatly chro coach Tatiana Pokrovskaya. Club back to their home. reduced the capacity of the arena, with The warm-up pool is open to the ele- Right now the club is in ‘exile’ at the 45,000 seats becoming 12,000 – but it ments and there is a temporary roof above Central Stadium, but that has just half the ensured every fan was close to the action. the competition pool and stands. That fresh capacity of Kazan Arena. So as soon as the ver the past 16 days about certs by Tatar musicians and gigs Swimmers noted that they could pick out air makes it easy for fans and athletes to championships are over work will start on 260,000 people have visit- with Russian pop stars. Friday’s pro- the faces of their friends and family in the breathe. Perhaps that’s why it took just draining the pools and dismantling the Oed the FINA Water World gram saw teams from the famous crowd. The first row of spectator seats three days to break more world records temporary stands. That won’t take long, Park to enjoy the atmosphere at the KVN comedy talent show entertain- here is on the same level as row 11 at the than we saw in Barcelona two years ago. but it will be a slow process to get a foot- heart of the World Championships. ing the crowds, with star comedian football, with the space below occupied At the time of writing we’ve seen 12 new ball pitch back in place. So Rubin won’t play For that fortnight Kazan has enjoyed Timur Batrutdinov making a guest by the pools themselves and the equip- records here. here in the Russian Premier League until a festival of water sports – and the appearance to present the award for ment needed to stage the events. For ex- “The pool is stunning. It is a pool of the next spring. After that, the world will come fanzone has catered for local fans volunteer of the day. Celebrities are ample, during the synchronised swim- future!” said the athletes who competed back to Kazan for the FIFA Confederations and international guests alike. often seen here, from top athletes of ming the pool was equipped with special at the stadium. Cup in 2017 and the World Cup in 2018. The fan house for Team Russia the championships to VIPs like Rus- has done a brisk trade throughout sia’s sports minister Vitali Mutko or the competition. People have been FINA President Julio Maglione. SOUVENIRS OF KAZAN AND THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS keen to show their support for the Today the Tatarstan Symphony Visitors to the FINA Water World Park have the chance to buy host nation, getting their faces paint- Orchestra will play on the final day of anything they could need to show the folks back home By Anastasiya Aleksandrova ed in the red, white and blue of the the championships before the clos- Russian tricolour and collecting flags ing ceremony is broadcast live on the veryone wants to remember the time This distinctive will cost anything They are hand sewn with brightly coloured and thundersticks. huge screen on the stadium’s façade. they came to the World Champion- from 1,000 rubles up, depending on how leather seams that give them a distinctive But guests have not been over- But that’s not the swansong for the Eships, and the vendors here say that elaborately it is decorated. appearance. Chuvyaki cost from 3,000, looked: stalls and live performances fanzone. As the Masters tournament fridge magnets and plates with the Kazan What other keepsakes keep can you ichigi - from 20,000 rubles. have introduced visitors from around carries on for another week – and 2015 logo are the biggest selling items. But buy in Kazan? How about a teapot and Russian feet tend to go for valenki, felt the world to aspects of Russian and brings another 3,000 or so compet- that’s far from all that’s on offer. bowl decorated in traditional Tatar style? boots. These make an original gift that can Tatar culture and cuisine. itors from all over the world – the For example, under the watchful Drinking tea is a ritual for people here, and keep feet warm through the coldest of The park is a hands-on expe- FINA Park stays open until August 16. guidance of the blacksmith you can mint tradition demands a special bowl for the winters and prices start from 850 rubles. rience. Visitors have been emulat- Monday sees the official open- your own souvenir coin for just 250 rubles. popular beverage. Bowls cost 150 rubles, These are the main souvenirs ing divers, posing for 3D photos as if ing ceremony of the Masters, right The smithy also has ready-made metal and tea pots are 500. of Tatarstan and Russia. But the poised to plunge from the high-dive here in the park. Like the opening gifts, such as the miniature ‘zagrebushka’ Another national drink, Kvas, is a championships themselves are the board or leaping from a springboard ceremony of the main champion- spoon that is said to attract coins to any refreshing soft drink made of fermented big event and as well as photos and into an inflatable ‘pool’. Other skills ships, competing nations will pa- purse it is put in. The forge here reflects rye bread: if you haven’t tried it, we promise unforgettable experiences there is plenty have been on display as well: danc- rade with their flags before a live one of Russia’s traditional crafts. it tastes better than it sounds. If you get more to remember the competition by. ing salsa or practicing pottery. show – kept strictly under wraps Anyone who has seen the Tatar a taste for it you might like a birch wood A special store in the fanzone sells official The park opens at midday and for the time being – that culmi- musicians in concert on the main stage mug, available for 400 rubles. tournament merchandise – anything from closes at 10pm. Throughout this time nates with a firework display. Ad- will surely have seen the crown of the Tatar boots and shoes – ichigi and key-rings and mugs to socks, bath-robes there is something happening on the mission is free of charge and the national costume – the tubeteika hat. chuvyaki – are also In great demand. and plush toys. main stage. Highlights include con- show starts at 7 pm.

The Executive Founder and publisher: AO Tatmedia 2 Akademicheskaya Ul., Kazan 420097 «World Championships Herald-2015» The newspaper was registered on March 15, 2013 with the management of the Federal Service for the overview of Offical publication of the 2015 FINA World Championships in Kazan Directorate for communications, information technology and mass media of the Republic of Tatarstan. License number TU 16-01383 Editor in chief, Sports Projects is an Editorial address The newspaper is printed at Tatmedia’s print house, PIK Idel-Press: project director 2, Dekabristov Ul., Kazan 420066 official organizer of 2 Ul. Dekabristov, Kazan. Confirmed for publication: scheduled 02.00, signed 00.00 A.N. Adiyatova Print run - 1500 copies. Order number 9736 e-mail: [email protected] the 16th FINA World Editor (English language) The opinion of individual contributors does not always reflect the opinion of the publisher. Material can only be reproduced Andy Potts Telephone: (843) 222-09-85 (extn. 2013) Championships with the written permission of the publisher. Distributed free of charge. Some material may be unsuitable for under 16s.