The Russians finished on top of the team standings in swimming earning 23 gold, seven silver and 12 bronze. As a whole the Russians finished atop of the overall team standings with 79 gold, 40 silver and 45 bronze.
Russian officials have taken the time congratulate and celebrate the team’s accomplishment.
At a ceremony held yesterday Chairman of the State of Duma Sergey Naryshkin personally thanked each athlete for their contribution to the nations success at the games.
Naryshkin first congratulated them on their success in the way of medals, but also in the joy that it brought the Russian people, many of whom watched and showed great support.
“It really is a miracle and we want this to be a miracle that happens many times, “said Naryshkin.
He also expressed how overjoyed he was to have had the opportunity to sing the national anthem alongside the athletes.
Naryshkin was the not the highest ranking official to formally express how proud they were of the athletes. Alexander Zhukov, the President of the Russian Olympic Committee, read the audience a message he received from President Vladimir Putin.
“Russia was the winner in the team standings at the first European games. Together, you have proved that our team – has a lot of potential,” said Putin.
“I am sure it is the key to successful participation of Russia in the XXXI Olympic Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.”
My bet is the next Games will be in Russia & they will be The Eurasian Games . Goodbye Europe & thanks for the memories . ( or not ) .