Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Four-time Olympic champion Vladimir Salnikov visited the Baku 2015 European Games office where he met with directors and was updated on the progress of preparations for the inaugural European Games on June 30.

Baku 2015, Europe's first senior multi-sport event, will gather more than 6,000 athletes from the 49 countries affiliated to the European Olympic Committees to compete in 19 sports in Azerbaijan's capital on June 12-28.

Salnikov, who is Chairman of the Russian Swimming Federation, Executive Committee member of the Russian Olympic Committee and FINA Bureau member and also a four-time World Champion, went on venue tours of the National Gymnastics Arena, Crystal Hall and the Baku Aquatics Centre, which is currently under construction.

He also visited the newly-built Baku 2015 Athletes Village which will host over 9,000 athletes and officials during next summer's event.

James Macleod, Director of Athlete Services and Operations at Baku 2015, said, "I am delighted to have welcomed one of the world's greatest swimmers to our Baku 2015 headquarters and enjoyed showing him around some of our impressive venues.

"Vladimir knows how much hard work goes in to delivering a major multi-sport event and everyone here at Baku 2015 is completely focused on producing a memorable Games for everyone involved."

Salnikov said, "It has been a pleasure to visit the Baku 2015 venues and witness the impressive progress which is being made to deliver the first-ever European Games.

"Competing at a home Games is a huge inspiration for any athlete, and I am sure every Azerbaijani competitor will enjoy performing at these venues and be inspired to achieve success."

Salnikov won gold medals in the 400m, 1500m and 4x200m freestyle events at the 1980 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow. In winning the 1500m he became the first athlete to swim the distance in under 15 minutes to set new World and Olympic records.

He also won gold in the 1500m freestyle event at the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul.