Navikonis surprised himself with a record: “One of the most unexpected results. Such a ‘wow'”

Even before the semifinal race, Lithuanian swimming team coach Paulius Povilionis told Tomas Navikonis that everything would be fine and that there would be a Lithuanian record, to which the swimmer responded simply.

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“Don’t talk nonsense,” said the 23-year-old from Panevėžys with a smile to the coach.

But soon he more than fulfilled what the coach had predicted.

Although in the qualifying heats on Tuesday morning T. Navikonis advanced to the semifinals with the last, sixteenth, ticket, on Tuesday evening at the Paris Olympic Center pool the Lithuanian surpassed himself.

Starting in the first semifinal of the 100 m freestyle, the 208 cm tall Lithuanian gained momentum in the first part of the distance and seemed to taste the fight.

His speed kept increasing, with long powerful strokes and kicks he stretched in position until he finished second in the first semifinal.

47.91 seconds – the result lit up on the scoreboard next to his name, which meant a new Lithuanian record.

T. Navikonis improved the record held by another Panevėžys native – Danas Rapšys – by 0.13 seconds, set in 2024 at the European Championships in Belgrade.

Having performed successfully but not overly impressively in the qualifiers, in front of 5,000 spectators fully filling the stands, T. Navikonis swam even more impressively in the semifinals. After the second swim, it became clear that he was sixth in the semifinals and would start in the final on Wednesday evening.

“Great, Lithuanian record. I really didn’t expect it. It seemed I was swimming well, but I didn’t expect to drop that much time,” T. Navikonis said, smiling modestly as he came to the media interaction area.

– Tomas, impressive finish, how did you manage to finish so powerfully?

– The first 50 meters were almost ideal, there was enough speed, but I guess I saved some energy. After pushing off the wall, I grabbed on as much as I could.

– You were sixth in the last 25 meters of the swim, but finished second.

– I didn’t really look at others, only in the last 25 meters I thought: damn, I’m still keeping up with everyone. So I had to lower my head (while swimming) and see what would happen.

– And when you looked at the scoreboard after finishing, what thought came to mind?

– I was happy. Finally, I broke out of the 48 seconds for the first time. That’s a big step. 47 seconds is already a more serious result.

– And the first Lithuanian to do so. What do you think your fellow countryman (Danas Rapšys) will say?

– I don’t know, he won’t be happy (smiles). But what can you do. That’s how it is with records.

– Did you think it was possible to reach the final in such an elite event by securing one of the two direct tickets in the first semifinal?

– I didn’t really believe it. I hoped for the best, but now it’s very nice. 47 seconds – this time I have no complaints about myself.

– Were there any signs that this could happen?

– I tried to be positive, I felt good during warm-up, I warmed up well. I think after the first 50 meters I realized something good might happen.

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– Considering your results in the 200 m freestyle relay, it can be said that you arrived here in good sporting form. What helped you reach your peak the most?

– I think it’s a combination of many things. Last year at the World Championships in Singapore I started once, then got sick, so I had no chance to show what I can do. Last season I trained well. And this season was to show everyone what I can do.

– You will swim in the final with the stars of the event, including David Popović, who set a European Championships record in the semifinal (46.72 seconds). Will there be more excitement or fun?

– Maybe there won’t be much excitement because we have already competed enough. And his result – 46.72 – is a completely different level. I’m happy, I’m glad about 47 seconds, and he’s at 46 seconds – that’s a cosmic result.

– Is this result the most important in your career?

– Maybe not the most important, but one of the most unexpected. A real “wow.”

– Freestyle is the fastest swimming style – can you consider yourself the fastest Lithuanian swimmer?

– No, no. I’m not very good at 50 meters, so I definitely won’t claim to be the fastest Lithuanian swimmer (smiles).

– You don’t show much emotion after finishing, as if it were an ordinary day at the office. Are you naturally more reserved?

– Yes, I don’t try to show a lot of emotions. After all, we work every day for such results. It finally came, but I prefer to enjoy the training process – it causes more emotions than the start itself.

– Many people don’t know what lies behind the path to the record. Can you describe it?

– A boring routine. It’s hard to describe in one word, but sometimes it can take two years, sometimes three. You have to be ready to work, keep your head down, and expect something fantastic.

– Who do you think will be the happiest about your record?

– Of course, the coaches. Going to the start, coach Paulius (Povilionis) said: “It will be very good, I know, it will be a Lithuanian record.” I laughed and said: Don’t talk nonsense.

But Paulius was right. I think he is the happiest.

– How much did the USA and Lithuania contribute to this result?

– I can’t really answer. I trained both in the USA and Lithuania, and the national team coaches and physiotherapists contributed – it all adds up to the big picture.

– Is this your first record, excluding relays?

– No, I had the 100 m freestyle record in a short course pool (25 m). But not for long. My roommate Tomas took it (Tomas Lukminas). So now I’ll have to take it back (smiles).

– Will it be fun to see your name on the swimming website next to the records?

– I don’t look there every day (smiles). But it’s nice, of course. You enjoy it and move on.

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