MINSK, 7 August (BelTA) – Olympic medalist in swimming (two silver, one bronze) Aliaksandra Herasimenia has announced her retirement from the sport during a press conference held at the National Olympic Committee of Belarus on 7 August, BelTA has learned.
“I wanted to qualify for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but let me be frank – I am not ready to win a medal today. So I would like to announce that I am retiring from swimming. However, I will not abandon the sport. I have my own swimming club and I will do my best to share my experience with children,” Aliaksandra Herasimenia said.
During her career, Aliaksandra Herasimenia won two silver medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London in the 50m and 100m freestyle. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, she clinched a 50m freestyle bronze. Aliaksandra Herasimenia claimed the world champion title in the 100m freestyle event at the 2011 FINA World Championships and in the 50m freestyle at the 2012 FINA World Swimming Championships (25 m). She also won a lot of Summer Universiades.
In August 2017, Aliaksandra Herasimenia married famous Belarusian swimmer Yauhen Tsurkin. In September 2018 they welcomed baby daughter Sofia who is, in her words, her greatest gift.
The renowned athlete opened a swimming club to share her wealth of experience with children.
Photos by Ramil Nasibulin
