Mystery surrounding Anastasiia Kirpichnikova: start in the 1,500 m in Saint-Étienne still uncertain

Saint-Étienne – 30.06.2026: In the Raymond-Sommet swimming hall the audience is puzzled about one of the most prominent names on the entry lists. It remains unclear whether Anastasiia Kirpichnikova, a specialist in the long freestyle events and the Olympic silver medalist in the 1,500 m from Paris 2024, will start in her signature event at the Championnats de France. The athlete remains officially listed in the start fields, but concrete indications about her arrival or a final start decision were not available as of Monday afternoon.

Contradictory signals are coming from within the national team environment. Teammates and support staff point to a lack of information; the federation has not issued any statement to date. Coach Philippe Lucas also did not make a definitive comment on Monday. This gap fuels speculation while the organizers are sticking to the entry lists. For the championships, held from June 27 to July 2, 2026 in Saint-Étienne and regarded as an important selection meet for the upcoming European Championships, this is more than a side note.

From a sporting perspective, a start by Kirpichnikova would carry weight. The long-distance specialist is considered the benchmark in the 1,500 m; her 2024 silver and string of national and international podiums make her the favorite. If she stays away, the balance of power shifts: the competition would have the chance to win the title in the long freestyle without the nominal number one, and the European Championship selection would have to proceed without a direct comparison to her. For coaching staffs this would be an evaluation case that puts greater emphasis on split times, race structure and the consistency of season performances.

At the same time, other stories are shaping the championships: France’s top athlete Léon Marchand convinced with victories and fast times, and several squad members met the targeted standards. The host city Saint-Étienne reports good attendance and packed final evenings, which underlines the meeting’s overall sporting value. Nevertheless attention keeps returning to the 1,500 m list — for good reason, because the decision of a single athlete can change final tactics, pacing and the qualifying matrix.

The reasons for the uncertainty are not officially confirmed. Since spring media reports have mentioned communication problems between the athlete, her entourage and the federation. As long as neither the Fédération Française de Natation nor the swimmer herself comment, her status remains pending. For athletes and spectators that means: Until the final withdrawal deadline both scenarios must be considered — a high-class reference race with Kirpichnikova or an open title fight that brings new names into the spotlight.