European athletes took more than half of the FINA Best Athletes awards at
the FINA World Aquatics Gala held in Sanya (CHN). Seven of the thirteen
trophies landed in the hands of the stars from the Old Continent. LEN
President Paolo Barelli praised the continent’s athletes and the efforts of
the respective National Federations in Europe.
As usual, European athletes’ names dominate this year’s awardees’ list in the
six disciplines. The FINA World Aquatics Gala – also known as Soirée des
Etoiles – was held on Saturday in Sanya, China, where the best athletes of
2017 were celebrated. The winners were declared based on a scoring criteriawhich award points for results obtained at FINA Events.
As usual, the top performances at this year’s World Championships in Budapest were the
determining factors in the race for the trophies, though in some cases the outcome of other events also influenced the final rankings.
Europe clinched seven awards, the Americas got four while Oceania and Asia
captured one apiece. Sweden’s Sarah Sjostrom became the best female
swimmer, Britain’s superstar Tom Daley was the best male diver. Europeans
made a complete sweep in synchro as Svetlana Kolesnichenko of Russia won
among the women while Italy’s Giorgio Minisini and Russia’s Aleksandr
Maltsev were tied for the men’s trophy.
Marc-Antoine Olivier of France came first in the men’s open water (fellow Frenchwoman Aurelie Muller was just passed by Ana Marcela Cunha when the Brazilian finished third in the overall of the World Cup series). The world champion Croatian team clinched the
title in the men’s water polo.
“LEN is immensely proud of our European stars who were duly rewarded for
their outstanding performances this year” LEN President and FINA Vice-
President Paolo Barelli commented the results. “This occasion serves as
another proof why Europe is the most successful continent among all in
aquatics. Our National Federations are running highly professional and
effective programmes in all disciplines so this continent has the biggest depth
in talent. This is always mirrored whenever major events or galas like this are
held. Congratulations for each and every winner, whichever continent they
represent – the best athletes and their respective coaches deserve all credits
for their commitment and dedication.”
