Russian swimmer Egor Kuimov has found a way to help out his native city of Kazan during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kuimov, along with water polo player Emil Zinnurov, have been volunteering by delivering necessities to those in strict isolation.
Prior to the pandemic, Kuimov was preparing for the Russian Olympic Trials, which were scheduled to take place in Kazan in early April.
“Of course, I was upset that the Russian championship in Kazan was canceled, we tuned in, got in shape,” he told Russian outlet RIA Novosti, translated from Russian. “Now I train at home, besides I live outside the city, so in this regard, it’s easier for me.
“But it’s still not easy to sit at home, it’s better if there is an opportunity, it’s time to spend on helping people. Elderly people are at risk, so they especially need help now. Today we delivered two orders on request. We follow all safety precautions, the volunteer center instructed us (to use) masks, gloves, and disinfectant sprays. And they all provided it to us.”
Kuimov, 20, was the gold medalist in the men’s 100 butterfly at the 2019 World University Games in Naples, also adding a silver medal in the men’s 400 medley relay. At the 2018 European Championships in Glasgow, he earned a silver medal in the medley relay while placing fifth individually in the 100 fly.
Kuimov set his personal best time in the 100 fly, his primary event, back at the 2017 World Junior Championships, winning silver behind Hungarian Kristof Milak in a time of 51.16.
Zinnurov, 21, has played for the water polo team WPK Sintez Kazan since 2018.