European Championship Swimmer Wins Three-Bridge Race After Tough Conditions

Estonian swimmer Kregor Zirk secured victory at the annual three-bridge swimming event, marking his first win at the competition. Zirk, who recently returned from the European Championships, participated in the event for at least the fifth time.

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I never think about the time or the final place – I just come to complete it.

He shared that the initial part of the race was enjoyable, aided by a supportive current. However, the conditions changed dramatically before reaching the Rääma bridge, as strong headwinds and opposing waves made the swim considerably more challenging. Zirk emphasized the intense effort required to overcome these adverse conditions.

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But before the Rääma bridge, there was a brutal wind and wave against me. It really drowned me: I had to put in a lot of effort!

Zirk's participation in the swimming event served as a way to maintain his athletic form following his European Championship debut in Paris. There, he set a personal best in the 200-meter backstroke with a time of 2:02.17, achieving 36th place in the adult championship. He noted that he had not yet returned to pool training since the championships, making the three-bridge swim a crucial step in keeping his fitness levels up.

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I haven't even made it to the pool since the European Championships. This trip helped maintain my athletic form, so I don't become a complete noodle.