“We consider the past season a success. Not only did we improve our medal haul at the World Championships, but I think we made a big step towards restoring the past glory of our strong swimming tradition,” Sergey Naryshkin, Head of Russian Swimming Federation, said.

Russia's major politicians have become more interested in swimming. This has seen the sportsmen receive additional funding, allowing them to concentrate on their form and results.

However, it is unlikely the Russians will be able to challenge world powers like the Americans in the pool over the next year.

Head coach Viktor Avdienko believes his youngsters have enough time before the Olympics to become real stars.

“The results of Yulia Efimova and Anastasia Zueva only proved that we're on the right track. I think our training methods are working, and you'll be able to see the results in London. At the moment, we've got a few more rising stars coming through,” Viktor Avdienko said.

There is just over three years till the next summer games, but the Russian swimming federation is confident of producing some good performances in London. Whether their bold statements result in success remains to be seen.