European Diving Championships, Kyiv (UKR) – Opening Press Conference Highlights

Winners to qualify for Tokyo

Kyiv is ready to stage another memorable edition of the European Diving Championships. The event kicks off on Monday and will feature a great line-up of European stars who all seek qualification for the 2020 Games: winners of the respective events on the Olympic programme shall book their spots in Tokyo.

(L to R) Igor Lysov Ukrainian Diving Federation President Oleksiy Sereda UKR Tamara Tokmachova Team Ukraine Head Coach Press Conference Kyiv, Ukraine UKR 04/08/2019 Diving Len European Diving Championships 2019 Sport Arena Liko Kyiv, Ukraine Photo © Giorgio Scala / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto

Igor Lysov Ukrainian Diving Federation President Press Conference Kyiv, Ukraine UKR 04/08/2019 Diving Len European Diving Championships 2019 Sport Arena Liko Kyiv, Ukraine Photo © Giorgio Scala / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto

(L to R) Georgia Fyrigou Consolo LEN TDC Chairman Marco Birri LEN Operation Manager Andriy Vlaskov LEN Vice President Igor Lysov Ukrainian Diving Federation President Oleksiy Sereda UKR Tamara Tokmachova Team Ukraine Head Coach Press Conference Kyiv, Ukraine UKR 04/08/2019 Diving Len European Diving Championships 2019 Sport Arena Liko Kyiv, Ukraine Photo © Giorgio Scala / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto

Two years after the first quite successful meet in the Liko Sports Centre in Kyiv, everything is set to witness another outstanding edition of the European Diving Championships. This one has even more at stake: winners of the Olympic events (individual and synchro events in 3m and 10m in both genders) will qualify for Tokyo.

“We are very happy to welcome back the diving family and very proud that Kyiv can host this event for the second time” said Igor Lysov, President of the Ukrainian Diving Federation, the man behind the entire showcase who also built the magnificent Liko complex, venue of the competition.

LEN Vice-President Andriy Vlaskov also welcomed the media and all athletes, coaches and officials. “Kyiv is a great city and the fans love diving here so we will enjoy an outstanding event” he said.

LEN Operational Manager Marco Birri and Chair of the LEN Technical Diving Committee Georgia Fyrigou-Consolo both praised the efforts of the hosts. “We are always keen to come here as we can’t wish for any better venue and more professional organisation” Mrs. Consolo added.

As a highlight of the press conference, the locals greeted the new-born star of the discipline, 13 year-old Oleksiy Sereda who had offered a stunning performance at the World Championships in Gwangju and finished 4th both in the individual and the synchro events in the 10m platform. His appearance will surely be a highlight of the event and the young prodigy said that he would not crack under the mounting pressure since he was suddenly regarded a hot favourite to win titles here.

The championships start with the Mixed Team Event on Monday at 17.00hrs local time. LEN shall provide free live streaming on the event on its website.
Press release from LEN, images courtesy of Deepbluemedia / Giorgio Scala