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Meet Eneli Jefimova from Estonia - Seeded 5th tonight in the 100 Breast at SC World Champs

We’ve got a short little pod for you nerds this week, as we enjoy watching world records drop like flies over there in Budapest. Team America is off to a hot start with 10 total medals - 6 being gold - and a slew of WR’s.

Sonny is on deck in Budapest, so he’s got great behind the scenes content and recaps being uploaded every day - check out Day 1’s recap with Chad Le Clos.

This morning on the show we’ve got the first Estonian woman to ever reach the final heat at the Olympics, Eneli Jefimova! She’s seeded 5th tonight in the Women’s 100 Breaststroke so keep an eye on her in the finale.

Building Success with Coach Henry Hein

Eneli’s growth as a swimmer owes a lot to her coach, Henry Hein. Over the past five years, Henry has transformed her from a raw talent into a powerhouse in the pool. When they started, Eneli lacked strength, but through steady gym work and training, she’s become a force to be reckoned with. Their partnership is built on trust and mutual learning, with Henry’s guidance shaping every step of her journey. Estonia is seeing the next generation of young swimmers AND coaches emerge.

Keeping Calm Under Pressure

What makes Eneli stand out is her mental game. She’s learned to treat every competition - whether it’s a local meet or the Olympics - the same. This ability to stay grounded and focused helps her block out distractions and perform at her best, even under the brightest lights. It’s a skill that’s rare in swimmers her age and one that sets her apart from her competitors.

Training in a Hotel Spa

Training in Estonia isn’t like training in the U.S. or Australia. Eneli trains in the country’s only 50-meter pool, which is part of a hotel spa. It’s not uncommon for her to dodge children playing nearby while training. But Eneli doesn’t complain.

Sponsors & Support

Despite her achievements, Eneli’s journey hasn’t been easy. Without major sponsors, she relies on her boarding school and federation for support. She’s a reminder of the potential that exists in athletes from smaller nations. Her success is a call to action for those who can help foster the next generation of talent.

A Training Ground for Excellence

Eneli’s training is all about balance - a mix of precision, hard work, and friendly competition. She trains alongside several breaststrokers, which pushes her to stay sharp and perform at her best. Whether it’s working on technique or nailing race-pace sets, she’s always looking for ways to improve.

What’s Next for Eneli?

With the World Championships coming up, Eneli is laser-focused on what’s ahead. She’s put in the work, and now it’s all about execution.

She’s seeded 5th tonight in the 100 Breaststroke so keep an eye out for her!

And next year, we should see her swimming yards for NC State.

Enjoy!

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