Estonian Swimmers Exit Paris European Championships Early After Challenging Seine Race

Estonian open-water swimmers Kirke Mõtsnik and Evalotta Victoria Aabrams concluded their participation in the women's 3 km elimination race at the European Championships in Paris in the first round. Despite not advancing to the finals, both athletes expressed satisfaction with their efforts and valued the experience gained.

Mõtsnik secured 13th place in her preliminary heat. She described the race in the Seine River as largely unfamiliar territory. "Everything was very unexpected when I jumped into the water, as I had never been here before and couldn't try the course before the start. Everything was new, and that made things more difficult," Mõtsnik said. She managed to stay with the group at the beginning of the race but lost ground at a turn, an interval she could not close.

The race was further complicated by poor visibility in the water, which added to the challenge for the swimmers. Aabrams also competed in the event, facing similar conditions. The experience in the Seine, known for its challenging currents and variable water quality, provided a unique test for the athletes.

Both swimmers are relatively new to the elite international open-water swimming scene. Their participation in the European Championships marks a significant step in their development, offering valuable exposure to high-level competition and diverse race conditions. The lessons learned from this event are expected to contribute to their future training and performance.

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Everything was very unexpected when I jumped into the water, as I had never been here before and couldn't try the course before the start. Everything was new, and that made things more difficult.