Famous Belarusian Swimmers

Aliaksandra Herasimenia is a retired Belarusian swimmer who achieved significant success in her career. She won gold at the 2012 World Championships and a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Following her retirement, she transitioned into advocating for human rights and democracy in Belarus, becoming a vocal critic of the Lukashenko regime. Due to her activism, she was forced to flee her home country and currently resides in exile in Poland. Her dedication to both sport and political advocacy has made her a respected figure in the international community.

Anastasiya Shkurdai is a highly accomplished Belarusian swimmer with a successful career in international competitions. She has won medals at prestigious events such as the World Aquatics Championships and European Short Course Swimming Championships. Shkurdai's achievements include gold and silver medals at the European Short Course Swimming Championships and a bronze at the Summer Youth Olympics. She has represented Belarus at various competitions, showcasing her talent in backstroke and butterfly events. Shkurdai continues to excel on the world stage, demonstrating her skill and determination as a top swimmer.

Ilya Shymanovich is a decorated Belarusian swimmer known for his prowess in breaststroke events. He holds world records in the short course 100m breaststroke and has previously held the record in the 50m breaststroke. Throughout his career, Shymanovich has clinched multiple medals at prestigious competitions such as the World Championships and European Short Course Championships. His impressive performances have solidified his reputation as a top competitor in the world of swimming, culminating in a gold medal win at the 2021 World Short Course Championships.

Ilona Katliarenka is a highly accomplished Belarusian synchronized swimmer with a distinguished professional career. She has represented her country as a former member of the Olympic National team, showcasing her exceptional skills on the world stage. With multiple appearances as a World finalist, she has consistently demonstrated her talent and dedication to the sport. Her achievements include attaining the prestigious rank of "Master of Sport of International Class," highlighting her outstanding performance and contribution to synchronized swimming at an elite level.

Alina Zmushka is a notable Belarusian swimmer, known for her participation in various international swimming competitions. She has competed in events such as the women's 100 metre breaststroke at the World Aquatics Championships and represented Belarus at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Alina continues to showcase her talent and dedication by participating as an individual independent athlete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Her professional career is marked by her achievements in the world of competitive swimming, demonstrating her skill and commitment to the sport.

Yelena Rudkovskaya is a Belarusian swimmer and Olympic champion known for her achievements at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. She won a gold medal in the 100 m breaststroke event and a bronze medal as part of the 4×100 m medley relay team. Her impressive performance showcased her skill and determination in the sport of swimming. Rudkovskaya's success at the Olympics solidified her reputation as a talented and accomplished athlete on the international stage.

Vasilina Khandoshka is a talented Belarusian synchronized swimmer with a notable career in international competitions. She has represented Belarus at various prestigious events including the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest and Gwangju. Khandoshka has showcased her skills in both solo and duet routines, consistently achieving commendable rankings. Her achievements include finishing in the top 10 in solo routines and competing in duet routines with Valeryia Valasach. In 2021, she clinched a bronze medal at the European Aquatics Championships, further solidifying her reputation as a skilled and dedicated athlete.

Sviatlana Anatolyewna Khakhlova is a versatile Belarusian swimmer specializing in backstroke, butterfly, freestyle, and medley events. She has achieved significant success in her career by winning five medals at European championships between 2002 and 2011. Khakhlova has also represented Belarus at the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Summer Olympics, competing in a total of six events. Despite her participation at the Olympics, she did not advance to the finals in any of the competitions.

Natalia Hadjiloizou is a professional Cypriot swimmer with an illustrious career that includes multiple Olympic appearances. She initially represented Belarus, participating in the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics. Known for her proficiency in freestyle events, Hadjiloizou achieved notable success, including a 6th place finish in the 200m freestyle at the Sydney Olympics. After retiring from swimming at a young age, she made a comeback representing Cyprus at the 2008 Summer Olympics, showcasing her talent in the 100m butterfly event.

Aksana Dziamidava is a Belarusian swimmer known for her expertise in sprint freestyle events. She achieved success at the 2012 European Short Course Swimming Championships, winning a bronze medal in the women's 4×50m freestyle as part of the Belarusian team. Dziamidava also represented Belarus at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, setting a national record time in the women's 4×100m freestyle relay. Her professional career highlights include competing at high-profile international events and contributing to her team's achievements through her strong swimming performances.

Yuliya Khitraya is a Belarusian swimmer known for her expertise in sprint freestyle events. She achieved success by winning a bronze medal at the 2012 European Short Course Swimming Championships as part of the Belarusian 4x50m freestyle team. Representing Belarus at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Khitraya competed in the 4x100m freestyle relay, setting a national record time. With a strong performance in various competitions, Khitraya has established herself as a talented and accomplished swimmer in the international swimming community.

Elvira Vasilkova is a retired Belarusian breaststroke swimmer known for her participation in the 1980 Summer Olympics. Throughout her professional career, she showcased exceptional skill and dedication in the sport of swimming, particularly in the breaststroke discipline. Vasilkova's achievements in competitive swimming have left a lasting impact on the sport, inspiring aspiring athletes and fans alike. Her legacy as an Olympian and former swimmer continues to be celebrated within the swimming community for her contributions to the sport.

Olga Vasilyevna Klevakina is a Soviet retired swimmer who had a successful professional career. She competed in multiple events at the 1980 Summer Olympics, reaching finals in most events. Klevakina won a bronze medal in the 4 × 100 m medley relay and finished fourth in the 100 m and 200 m freestyle. She also achieved success at the European Aquatics Championships in 1977 and 1981, as well as at the 1981 Summer Universiade. Klevakina's career highlights include multiple medals in individual and team medley events, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.

Alena Popchanka is a successful Olympic swimmer hailing from Belarus who later competed for France. She has won multiple championships, including the 200m freestyle at the World Championships and the Short Course European Championships. She made a significant career move by marrying her coach, Frédéric Vergnoux, and acquiring French citizenship. Despite facing obstacles due to her federation's regulations, she transitioned to representing France in international competitions. Popchanka's professional journey has been marked by dedication, achievements, and adaptability to new circumstances, showcasing her resilience and talent in the world of swimming.

Iryna Niafedava is a former Belarusian swimmer known for her expertise in freestyle events. She represented Belarus at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where she competed in the women's 4×100m freestyle relay. Niafedava swam the third leg for the Belarusian team, narrowly missing out on the top 8 final. Despite this, her performance showcased her skill and dedication to the sport. Niafedava's professional career highlights her achievements as a competitive swimmer on the international stage.

Iryna Limanouskaya is a Belarusian synchronized swimmer who has achieved notable success in international competitions. She represented her country at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the women's duet event. In 2018, Limanouskaya, along with her partner Veronika Yesipovich, showcased their skills at the European Aquatics Championships, finishing in 9th place in both the duet technical routine and the duet free routine. Limanouskaya's dedication and talent have solidified her reputation as a skilled and competitive synchronized swimmer on the global stage.

Veronika Yesipovich is a talented Belarusian synchronized swimmer who has showcased her skills on various prestigious platforms. She represented her country at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the women's duet event. In 2018, she and her partner Iryna Limanouskaya achieved commendable 9th place finishes in both the duet technical routine and duet free routine at the European Aquatics Championships. Yesipovich's dedication and hard work in synchronized swimming have earned her recognition and respect in the competitive world of aquatic sports.

Nastassia Karakouskaya is a Belarusian swimmer known for her participation in international swimming events. She represented Belarus at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and competed in the women's 50 metre freestyle event at the 2018 FINA World Swimming Championships in Hangzhou, China. With a focus on sprint events, she has showcased her skills at prestigious competitions, demonstrating her dedication to the sport and her country. Karakouskaya's professional career highlights her achievements in the world of competitive swimming, where she continues to make a name for herself.

Mariya Shcherba is a Belarusian swimmer who has competed at the highest level of international competition, including the 2004 Summer Olympics. She has demonstrated her talent and dedication by representing Belarus in the 4x100m freestyle relay. Following in her elder sister's footsteps, Mariya moved to France to further her swimming career and competed for the club CS Clichy 92. Her professional life has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a pursuit of success in the competitive world of swimming.

Katsiaryna Kulpo is a former Belarusian synchronized swimmer who represented her country at the 2008 Olympic Games in the women's duet event. After retiring from competitive swimming, she transitioned into coaching and now serves as an assistant coach for the Singapore synchronized swimming team. With her experience as an Olympic athlete, Katsiaryna brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her coaching role, helping to train and develop the next generation of synchronized swimmers in Singapore.

Natallia Shavel is a Belarusian Paralympic swimmer known for her achievements in international competitions. Despite facing challenges due to a spinal cord injury from a car accident at a young age, she has displayed remarkable determination and skill in her sport. Shavel's talent and hard work have led her to compete at prestigious events like the IPC Swimming World Championships, where she has excelled and won medals. Her dedication and success as a Paralympic swimmer have earned her recognition and respect in the sports community.

Hanna Shcherba is a former Belarusian-French swimmer who excelled in medley events, winning six medals at the European Championships from 2002 to 2004. She participated in multiple events at the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics, achieving her best result in the 4 × 100 m freestyle relay in 2008. After moving to France in 2001, she competed for various clubs before marrying fellow swimmer Arnaud Lorgeril in 2005. Shcherba-Lorgeril transitioned to coaching at CS Clichy, where she shares her expertise in Russian and French.

Svetlana Zhidko is a Belarusian freestyle swimmer known for her participation in the 1996 Summer Olympics, where she competed in three events. Throughout her professional career, Zhidko has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to the sport of swimming. Her achievements in international competitions have earned her recognition as a talented athlete in the world of freestyle swimming. Zhidko's competitive spirit and commitment to excellence have solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the swimming community.

Inga Borodich is a Belarusian freestyle swimmer known for her participation in the 1996 Summer Olympics, where she competed in three events. Her professional career is highlighted by her dedication to the sport of swimming, showcasing her skills and athleticism on an international stage. As an accomplished athlete, Inga Borodich has demonstrated her prowess and commitment to excellence in the world of freestyle swimming, leaving a lasting impact on the competitive swimming community.

Inna Kapishina is a former Belarusian swimmer known for her expertise in breaststroke events. She has achieved multiple Belarusian championships and held national records in the 50, 100, and 200-meter breaststroke disciplines. Kapishina made her Olympic debut at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where she displayed strong performances but narrowly missed advancing to the semifinals due to a disqualification for improper form. She later qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcasing her skill and determination in both the 100m and 200m breaststroke events.

Natalia Deeva is a renowned Belarusian deaf female swimmer with an impressive professional career. She holds the record for the most appearances by a Deaflympic competitor representing Belarus at the Deaflympics, having participated in the prestigious event six times. Deeva made a significant mark in the swimming world by breaking three deaf swimming world records in a single day at the 2007 World Deaf Swimming Championships. Her remarkable achievements and dedication to the sport have solidified her reputation as a standout athlete in the deaf swimming community.

Nastassia Parfenava is a talented Belarusian synchronized swimmer who gained recognition for her participation in the 2008 Olympic Games in the women's duet event alongside Katsiaryna Kulpo. Throughout her professional career, she has showcased exceptional skill, precision, and dedication to her sport. Parfenava's synchronized swimming performances have captivated audiences and earned her a reputation as a top athlete in her field. Her commitment to excellence and teamwork has solidified her status as a respected figure in the world of synchronized swimming.