After announcing his imminent retirement at the Tokyo Olympics, Anton Chupkov will now swim in the FINA World Cup Series in Doha, according to Russian news agency RIA Novosti.
“I was sure that when emotions subside, Anton will make an informed decision. And so it happened. He had time to rest, he had time to think it over, and he decided to compete at the World Cup,” said president of the Russian Swimming Federation Vladimir Salnikov in the article (translated from Russian).
The two-time world champion and 2016 Olympic medalist announced his plans to retire in the near future after finishing outside of the podium in the men’s 200 breaststroke final in Tokyo. He has the world record in the event, a time of 2:06.12.
“Games in Paris? No, the next goal is to enjoy life,” said Chupkov at the time, according to Russian news agency TASS (translated from Russian). “To continue living, but without it (swimming). This is one of my last starts at a high international professional level.”
Chupkov also previously said he probably would have retired after the Tokyo Games in 2020 had they not been postponed.
The 24-year-old has long been dominant in the breaststroke event, but in Tokyo he finished fourth with a time of 2:07.24. Australian Zac Stubblety-Cook won gold and the Olympic record with a time of 2:06.38.
Chupkov is also a two-time bronze medalist from the long course World Championships in the men’s 400 medley relay, and is the reigning two-time European champion in the 200 breaststroke.
Watched the Brett Hawke podcast- Sates, when asked, if he is still going to Georgia said he was planning on it but sorta alluded that that could change, see what the near future brings
on the topic of retirements, heemskerk is retiring after the isl season
So is Pelegrini
Warm holiday in Doha & with his appearance $ can stock up on electronics for the year.
Thank god we need someone under 206
He’s not the only one with a chance to go under 206.
It’s going to be Kamminga imo. He’s got the requisite speed out of any elite 200 BR swimmer, and one of these days he will catch lighting in a bottle and hold on that last 50.
Nah….. it’ll be ZSC
Sato is written off so quickly after his subpar Olympic performance.
No one wrote him off tho.
Watanabe Sleeper Pick
Whaaat bro
Pellegrini v2.0
Chupkov: I’m making a comeback, but will not swim the 200 breast
And then win the 200 breast at the next World Championships.