After winning Olympic bronze in Paris, Roman Mityukov is taking almost two months off swimming. This week, the Geneva native is motivated to jump back into the water at the Short Course World Championships in Budapest.
09.12.2024, 04:31
SDA
Four months after his coup in sport and as a student with a bachelor's degree in law in his pocket, Roman Mityukov's batteries are recharged. "I was sometimes afraid that my career would end with the Olympic medal. But that's not the case," he emphasizes in an interview with Keystone-SDA.
The 24-year-old Frenchman ultimately had problems finding his motivation again after winning the Olympic bronze medal in the 200 m backstroke and taking on all the exertions. But he still had to take a break: "I've been waiting for this break since Fukuoka," he says. A year and a half ago, he won World Championship bronze in Japan, followed by World Championship silver in Doha in February 2024. "I needed the break, physically and mentally. And I really enjoyed it."
Two months out of the water
After almost two months without swimming, Mityukov resumed training at the end of September, while at the same time going back to school to prepare his dissertation. "My studies offer me stability for the future, but also for the present. I need this balance, even if it's sometimes complicated, like at the moment with my thesis, which I have to hand in on January 10. And I have no other choice if I want to become a lawyer," adds Mityukov, who wants to complete his Master's degree in 2027.
Despite the break, the Geneva native is already back in good shape. During his comeback in mid-November at the Swiss Championships in the small pool, he swam the 200 m backstroke in 1:52.53 minutes and was not that far off the Swiss record (1:51.46).
Although Mityukov is reassured about his form, he is not fooling himself about Budapest. On the one hand, he is not used to racing in the 25 m pool, and on the other, "I'm not 100 percent fit. But it's still a world championship and it offers the opportunity to swim fast in the small pool," he says.
"I'm not putting any pressure on myself for the World Championships," says Mityukov, who will be competing in the 100 m backstroke, 200 m backstroke, 100 m crawl and 4x100 m medley. His aim is to reach the final in each event as a backstroke swimmer. He is also hoping for an exploit with the relay team.
A year of full commitment ahead of LA 2028
The competitions in Hungary are the first step on the long road to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Mityukov will continue to collect kilometers until 2028, but without neglecting his studies. He can take his time to develop further, as he is no longer in the spotlight. His Olympic medal hasn't changed much for him, even if "people on the street look at me differently", as he says.
"I have a bit more media inquiries, but I haven't noticed a big difference. That's good, because it means I can get on with my quiet life," says the Geneva native, who does regret that his success in Paris has not attracted any sponsors.
