<div>SF CHRONICLE - Don't miss the great piece SF Chronicle published about about Yev on July 15! <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/annkillion/article/russia-s-paris-olympics-swimmer-evgenii-somov-19568351.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/annkillion/article/russia-s-paris-olympics-swimmer-evgenii-somov-19568351.php" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/annkillion/article/russia-s-paris-olympics-swimmer-evgenii-somov-19568351.php</a></a>
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<div>HOT OFF THE PRESS! Yev was featured in an NBC interview last night. Watch the video at the link below:
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<div><a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/paris-2024-summer-olympics/community-oakland-swimming-coach-paris-olympics/3588307" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.nbcbayarea.com/paris-2024-summer-olympics/community-oakland-swimming-coach-paris-olympics/3588307/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.nbcbayarea.com/paris-2024-summer-olympics/community-oakland-swimming-coach-paris-olympics/3588307/</a></a>
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<div>ORIGINAL POST:
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<div>We are raising funds to send Coach Evgenii Somov to the Olympics this summer in Paris.
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<div>In May, Coach Evgenii Somov qualified for the Olympics in the 100 Breaststroke blasting a time of 58.72. This is the third fastest time in the world for 2024 and a Russian record.
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<div>We are so proud of Coach Evgenii Somov and fortunate that our swimmers have had the opportunity to learn from him and grow.
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<div>Why are we raising funds:
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<div>As a neutral status athlete, Coach Evgenii Somov cannot receive support from Russia and has to cover all of his expenses.
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<div>Attending the Olympics is expensive.
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<div>Funds raised will go toward the following:
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<div>$2,800 - TechSuits for races leading up to and during the Olympics
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<div>$10,000 - Uniforms. The IOC has strict requirements for the look of uniforms during any television time. An Oakland native and award winning fashion designer is outfitting uniforms for tv appearances and for the Olympic village. Funds will be paid to the designer and the suit customization vendor FaceFirst Inc.
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<div>$4,500 - Flights for Evgenii and Coach Piankhi
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<div>$5,000 - Accommodation and food in Paris
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<div>$3,000 - Pool access in Paris before the games and miscellaneous expenses
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<div>Below is Coach Evgenii Somov's amazing story. He has been a fantastic coach to many athletes in the Bay Area - please join us in supporting his Olympic journey.
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<div>We are also hosting a private pool party to celebrate Coach Evgenii on July 7, 2024. This is an event for swimmers and parents. We will get to hear from Coach Evgenii Somov and Coach Piankhi Gibson. Please contact us if you would like to attend. Space is limited.
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<div><strong>Swimmer Evgenii Somov &amp; Coach Piankhi Gibson</strong>
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<div><strong>An Olympic Dream Becomes a Reality</strong>
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<div>After my gold medal swims at the European Junior Championships and a successful college swimming career at the University of Louisville, I stopped swimming competitively for two years, instead focusing on giving back to the swimming community by teaching young athletes the basics of swimming, then helping them develop into promising swimmers.
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<div>In September 2023, I met Piankhi Gibson and began working with his youth swim team–Oaklantis Swim Academy–a relatively new organization focused on helping the young swimmers of the Bay Area, California get the quality instruction and coaching they need and deserve.
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<div>About four months ago, I decided to return to competition, hoping to earn the opportunity to compete in Paris. Coach Gibson and I have made incredible progress–I now hold the Russian national record and third fastest time in 2024 in the 100 meter breaststroke (58.72). With that time I earned the opportunity to swim in Paris.
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<div>But getting to the Olympics requires more than just hard work and talent—it also requires financial support. Because I am competing as an independent athlete, I will bear all the expenses of transportation to and from Paris, training time (including pool access and equipment), as well as uniforms for myself and my coach and technical competition swimsuits.
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<div>That's why I'm reaching out to you, my community, for help. The costs of training, travel, equipment, and other expenses associated with competing at this level can add up quickly.
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<div>With your support, I can focus on my training and preparation without worrying about the financial burden. 
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<div>Every contribution, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to achieving my dream of competing in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
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<div>Thank you for your belief in me and in Coach Piankhi Gibson, and supporting my Olympic dream!
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Grace Chen

Anonymous

Kristin Brink

Kelly Reuba

Support Evgenii To Olympic Glory

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