Estonian open water swimming expert: Top-10 finish at Paris European Championships is achievable

Estonia's open water swimming team is poised for a strong performance at the upcoming European Championships in Paris, according to expert Sander Paavo. He believes the team possesses the experience and preparation necessary to secure a top-10 position.

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In open water swimming, surprises can always happen. Even a world champion's result largely depends on the conditions of the competition day.

Paavo noted that the Seine River course in Paris presents unique challenges due to its strong current. Swimmers will benefit from the downstream flow in one direction but face a tough battle against the current on the return leg. This dynamic, he explained, can lead to unpredictable race outcomes, even for top athletes.

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The Estonian team is well-prepared. They have solid experience in title competitions, and the team is ready for the competition. Now, all of this needs to be realized as a result on the right day – a top-ten finish is entirely achievable.

The Estonian national team includes Kirke Mõtsnik, Evalotta Victoria Aabrams, Jaan Pasko, and Erik Mäesepp. Paavo expressed confidence in their readiness, stating that their extensive experience in major competitions positions them well to translate their preparation into results.

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Open water swimming gives athletes a realistic opportunity to compete at an international level and does not limit them to the pool.

Looking further ahead, Paavo envisions Estonia becoming a dominant force in open water swimming. He predicts the nation could be represented at the Olympic Games by the early 2030s and potentially win European titles within the next decade to 15 years. The growing popularity of the sport in Estonia and the increasing number of young athletes taking it seriously contribute to this optimistic outlook.

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A European Championship title could come to Estonia within the next 10-15 years. The sport is constantly developing, and I am especially pleased to see that more young athletes are emerging who consider open water swimming a serious and promising career choice. Everything is possible!