Lev recently began his 2025 racing campaign at the World Aquatics Open Water Swimming World Cup in Somabay, Egypt, where we caught up with him, three of his teammates at Azura Florida Aquatics and their coach, Gianluca Alberani, following their final training session before the World Cup opener.

Lev's Preparation for 2025 and First Race of the Year

Lev, it’s great to see you again. I think we last met in Hong Kong for some open water racing last year. How does it feel now that we’re heading into the 2025 season?

It’s really exciting because the World Cup season is starting now, and we also have the World Championships coming up in the summer. We have time to prepare for Singapore, but this first competition of the year in Egypt is a great way to get started. I’m happy to be here—Egypt is a beautiful place, and I’m excited to race here.

Since this is the year's first race, do you still get nervous before competing, even if your training has been going well?

Not really. This is not my first competition in life, so I know what to expect. The best training is competition itself.

Focus on the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore

You mentioned the World Championships in Singapore—that seems like the big goal on the horizon. What are you focusing on as you prepare?

Right now, my focus is on training and preparing for the World Championships.

Do you have any specific goals for Singapore?

Of course! I think every athlete has personal goals. But for me, those goals are personal.

Lev's Journey to Becoming a World Aquatic Scholarship Athlete

This is your second year as part of the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme. How has it impacted your career and development as a swimmer?

For me, it’s like a dream. Sometimes, I can’t believe this is my life. In 2024, I improved all my results—in both pool and open water swimming. One of my most significant achievements was winning a bronze medal at the Asian Championships. That was a huge moment for me and for Kazakhstan.

How did you find out that you had been selected for the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme?

It’s actually a funny story. My coach told me, "Lev, World Aquatics has this programme—maybe you should apply." I thought, "No way, Coach, do you really think they would pick me?" But I applied anyway.

A few months later, I had a really tough training session. After practice, my coach came up to me and said, "Lev, I have good news." I had no idea what he was talking about. Then he said, "Remember what you applied for? You got it!" I couldn’t believe it.

Day in the Life of an Elite Scholarship Athlete in Davie, Florida

What’s it like training in Davie, Florida, with the Azura programme? Take us through a day in your life there.

Florida is called the Sunshine State, and it really is—every day feels like summer. I love it. Azura is an amazing programme. It’s hard to describe my feelings about being there—it’s just incredible.

What’s the coaching like at Azura?

There are a lot of coaches, maybe five or six, and they are all professionals. They know exactly what they are doing, and they know how to help us improve.

Impact of Azura and the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme on Lev

Where do you think you’ve improved the most since joining the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme?

Honestly, I’ve improved in every way—my results in the 400m, 800m, 1500m, and open water have all gotten better. But it’s not just about swimming. The programme helps you grow as a person. It changes your mindset—you start thinking more positively and focusing on your goals. It helps you work for your dreams.

Eventually, you’ll graduate from the programme, and another swimmer from Kazakhstan will take your place. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave?

I would tell anyone thinking about applying: Try! If you don’t try, you’ll never know what’s possible. For me, this programme has been life-changing. Everyone’s experience will be different, but for me, it has been more than just good—it has been amazing.

Thank you, Lev! Best of luck for the season ahead.

Somabay Postscript

Lev was the first Asian finished, recording a 41st placing at the Open Water Swimming World Cup 2025 opener in Somabay, Egypt. Finishing around six minutes behind the winner (Florian Wellbrock of Germany), Lev significantly reduced his gap from the 10km podium placers at the World Aquatics Championships, which took place in this same period last year.

Want to Know More?  | About the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme

Since its launch in 2014, the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme has provided financial and technical support to talented yet under-resourced aquatic athletes like Lev. Now in its 11th year, the programme currently supports 50 swimmers, 15 open water swimmers, 8 divers, 7 artistic swimming duets, and, for the first time, 6 water polo players.

Find out more about World Aquatics Scholarships here.