Two-time Olympian Kregor Zirk has confirmed his participation in the international swimming competition he organizes himself, the Zirk Swim Cup, marking his first race in a 50-meter pool since the 200m butterfly final at the Paris Olympic Games. It will be a long-awaited return in front of the home crowd and an important step in his preparation for the new season.

Zirk said he feels genuinely excited about this start: “In the first year of organizing the event, I was actually jealous of the athletes who got to compete, because I would have loved to experience that atmosphere as an athlete myself. Now that goal is finally coming true!” He added that the Zirk Swim Cup will give him the chance to compete again in an Olympic-size pool and regain his race rhythm: “I’m really looking forward to competing in a long-course pool again, as my preparation is already geared toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.”

Zirk’s Olympic summer provided a historic moment for Estonian swimming when he reached the final of the 200 m butterfly, delivering exceptionally tense and inspiring performances for spectators. At the competition held on 14–15 February, Zirk will not only be just an athlete, but also the head organizer in his hometown: “I learned enough lessons from the first year to make sure that this time I delegate all tasks before the event. That way, I don’t have to deal with logistical issues between races and worry as much.”

The competition will give the public a chance to watch Estonia’s best swimmer race in the same pool where he learned to swim 20 years ago and will create a motivating environment for young swimmers to observe elite athletes preparation and performances.