The fastest swimmer in the world, Russian Olympic champion Alexander Popov, was in stable condition today after being stabbed in the stomach. His doctor predicted full recovery.
"He'll be swimming again," said the chief doctor at Moscow City Hospital No. 31, Georgy Golukhov. "That's for sure."The 25-year-old was accompanying a young woman home Saturday night when he got into an argument with watermelon vendors. The knife penetrated Popov's stomach, grazing his lungs and kidney.
Popov, who won two gold and two silver medals at the Olympics in Atlanta, was transferred to the exclusive Kremlin hospital Monday.
"He is still in intensive care, but the government wants to do as much as it can to help him recuperate," Golukhov said in a telephone interview.
Popov had not planned to compete until December and had said he intended to rest up after the Olympics, the doctor said.
The head of the Australian Institute of Sport, where Popov trains, said he was shocked and deeply concerned. AIS Director John Boultbee said the attack might help to explain why Popov, who has lived in Australia for several years, was planning to become an Australian citizen.
Many top Russian athletes have tried to escape the crime, chaos and economic woes that have plagued Russia since the Soviet collapse by training abroad.
The Interfax news agency said Monday one of Popov's attackers had been arrested. It gave no details.
In an interview from his hospital bed Sunday after surgery, Popov thanked his surgeons.
"There is no cause for concern now," a weak-looking Popov, his head bandaged, told Russia's NTV television. "I'll soon be walking."
Popov won the 50 and 100 freestyle races for a second straight Olympics this year and helped Russia to runner-up finishes in the 400 freestyle and medley relays. The winner of the 50-meter freestyle is considered the fastest swimmer in the world.
Popov is unbeaten in major competitions since 1991 in sprint events.