Russia Stripped of World Junior Swimming Championships

Australia will boycott swimming events in Russia. Oli SCARFF AFP
Australia will boycott swimming events in Russia. Oli SCARFF AFP
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Russia Stripped of World Junior Swimming Championships

Australia will boycott swimming events in Russia. Oli SCARFF AFP
Australia will boycott swimming events in Russia. Oli SCARFF AFP

Swimming's governing body FINA pulled the world junior championships from Russia Monday and said no other events will be held in the country "if this grave crisis continues".

Swimming powerhouse Australia welcomed the decision, which came after criticism that FINA had been slow to follow other sports in cancelling events following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"FINA remains extremely concerned with the continuing war in Ukraine and following ongoing consultation with athletes and stakeholders from the aquatics family, FINA can confirm that the eighth World Junior Swimming Championships is cancelled," it said on Twitter.

"FINA will not be holding any future events in Russia if this grave crisis continues," it added.

The World Junior Championships were due to be held in Kazan in August with the short course titles scheduled for December in the same city.

Swimming Australia said it would be boycotting all competitions in Russia, including the World Short Course Championships, which are yet to be axed officially.

"The decision has been made with athlete and staff safety the priority, whilst also acknowledging the role that sports must play within the international landscape," it said in a statement.

"Swimming Australia strongly condemns the actions of the Russian government and is appalled by the developments in Ukraine."

The long-course world championships are due to be held in Hungary, which borders Ukraine, in June.

Swimming Australia said it "will continue to monitor the situation" before a final decision on whether to attend.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked widespread reaction in the sports world, with the UEFA Champions League final moved to France and Formula One's Russian Grand Prix cancelled.



Fernandez Thriving at Chelsea after Getting to Grips with Maresca’s Positional Demands

Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Brentford - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - December 15, 2024 Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez applauds fans after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Brentford - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - December 15, 2024 Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez applauds fans after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)
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Fernandez Thriving at Chelsea after Getting to Grips with Maresca’s Positional Demands

Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Brentford - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - December 15, 2024 Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez applauds fans after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Brentford - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - December 15, 2024 Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez applauds fans after the match. (Action Images via Reuters)

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez struggled to live up to his hefty price tag following his arrival at the club in January last year but the Argentine says his recent upturn in form is down to developing a good understanding with coach Enzo Maresca.

Fernandez, who cost Chelsea 106 million pounds ($132 million), started six of their first seven league matches this season but failed to impress and was dropped to the bench in place of Romeo Lavia.

However, since his return to the side last month Fernandez has looked revitalized, bagging three goals and four assists in seven Premier League games and helping Chelsea climb to second.

"I learned the position in which I had to play, over time I got the idea of what the coach wanted," Fernandez told ESPN in an interview published on Monday.

"He (Maresca) explained to me what he wanted and I was getting the concept, reading the games. There is still a long way to go.

"On a personal level I have been feeling very good. The team has shown a very strong character, always working and with humility and showing that great things can be achieved. There is still a long way to go."

Chelsea next host London rivals Fulham on Thursday before travelling to face Ipswich Town on Dec. 30.