Seven-time world champion, as well as silver and bronze medalist at the Olympic Games, Russian swimmer Kliment Kolesnikov addressed the question of whether he considers himself a sports superstar.

— I suppose so. I don’t really acknowledge this for myself, but I understand that I fit that description in general.

— Do you think that if a public opinion poll were conducted now about the most famous athletes in Russia, many would mention your name?
— I really hope so. However, as recent trends indicate, those who are currently making an impact are not often recognized, — Kolesnikov shared in an interview with Championship correspondent Andrei Shitihin.