How did Salisbury clinch the top spot in the final rankings. What were the biggest upsets and statement wins of the 2023 season. Which teams showed surprising strength or weakness throughout the year.
Salisbury’s Defensive Dominance Leads to 13th National Title
The Salisbury Sea Gulls demonstrated their defensive prowess in the 2023 NCAA Division III Men’s Lacrosse Championship game, securing their 13th national title and the top ranking in the final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20. Head coach Jim Berkman’s defensive strategy proved crucial in shutting down Tufts University, who entered the tournament as the top-ranked team.
Salisbury’s victory highlighted the importance of a strong defense in championship-level play. How does a team build such a formidable defense? It requires a combination of skilled players, strategic coaching, and relentless practice. Berkman’s ability to prepare his team for high-stakes games has been a hallmark of Salisbury’s success over the years.
Analyzing the Final Top 20 Rankings
The final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20 rankings reflect the competitive nature of the 2023 season. Here’s a breakdown of the top five teams:
- Salisbury (23-1)
- Tufts (22-1)
- Christopher Newport (19-3)
- RIT (21-2)
- Washington and Lee (18-5)
These rankings showcase the dominance of certain programs and the parity within Division III lacrosse. What factors contribute to a team’s success in maintaining a high ranking throughout the season? Consistency, depth of talent, and the ability to perform under pressure all play significant roles.
Tufts’ Near-Perfect Season and Championship Heartbreak
The Tufts Jumbos entered the NCAA tournament as the top-ranked team, boasting an undefeated record. Their quest for a perfect season was halted by Salisbury in the championship game. Despite the loss, Tufts finished the year ranked second with an impressive 22-1 record.
A near-perfect season is a remarkable achievement in any sport. How does a team maintain such a high level of performance throughout an entire season? It requires exceptional talent, strong team chemistry, and the mental fortitude to overcome challenges week after week.
Biggest Upset of the 2023 Season: St. John Fisher’s Struggles
One of the most surprising storylines of the 2023 season was the early struggles of St. John Fisher. Coming off a strong 2022 campaign where they lost only three games, expectations were high for the team. However, they stumbled out of the gate, losing eight of their first nine games.
What factors can contribute to such a dramatic shift in performance from one season to the next? The loss of key senior players, adjusting to new team dynamics, and the pressure of high expectations can all play a role. St. John Fisher’s experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college sports.
Despite their rough start, St. John Fisher showed resilience in the second half of the season, going 9-2 in their final 11 games. This turnaround demonstrates the importance of perseverance and adaptability in collegiate athletics.
Swarthmore’s Statement Win: A Shift in Division III Power
One of the most significant moments of the 2023 season came when Swarthmore defeated Gettysburg on April 8. This victory was seen as a potential shift in the balance of power within Division III lacrosse.
Gettysburg entered the game with an impressive resume, having defeated top-ranked teams like Salisbury, Washington and Lee, and York. Swarthmore’s victory over such a formidable opponent catapulted them into the Top 20 rankings and established them as a force to be reckoned with.
What makes a win like this so impactful? It’s not just about the single game result, but what it represents. For Swarthmore, it was a statement that they could compete with the established powerhouses of Division III lacrosse. It also serves as inspiration for other up-and-coming programs, showing that with the right preparation and execution, any team can challenge the status quo.
Washington and Lee: The Underrated Offensive Powerhouse
Washington and Lee University’s Generals proved to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in 2023, despite being underrated for much of the season. Their offensive prowess was particularly noteworthy:
- Scored 20 or more goals in 10 games
- Ranked 7th overall in team offense, averaging 17.52 goals per game
- Made a convincing run in the NCAA tournament
Why was Washington and Lee overlooked for so long? A three-game losing streak early in the season likely contributed to their lower ranking. However, two of those losses were in overtime, and the third was against a strong Christopher Newport University team.
The Generals’ performance raises questions about how we evaluate teams throughout the season. Should more weight be given to offensive output? How do we balance early-season struggles against late-season success? Washington and Lee’s journey in 2023 highlights the complexities of ranking teams in a dynamic sport like lacrosse.
The Impact of Close Games and Overtime Losses
Several teams in the 2023 season, including St. John Fisher and Washington and Lee, experienced close losses and overtime defeats. These narrow margins can have a significant impact on a team’s ranking and perception throughout the season.
How much should close losses factor into a team’s overall evaluation? On one hand, losing by a small margin to a strong opponent can be seen as a positive sign, indicating that a team can compete at a high level. On the other hand, consistently falling short in close games may point to issues with closing out victories.
For coaches and players, these close games provide valuable learning experiences. They offer opportunities to analyze decision-making under pressure and identify areas for improvement. From a ranking perspective, it’s crucial to look beyond just the win-loss record and consider the quality of opponents and the competitiveness of each game.
The Role of Youth and Experience in Team Success
The 2023 season highlighted the importance of both young talent and experienced leadership in achieving success. St. John Fisher’s struggles early in the season were partly attributed to the loss of a talented senior class. However, their strong finish to the year showcased the potential of their younger players.
What’s the ideal balance between youth and experience on a lacrosse team? While experienced seniors can provide leadership and composure in high-pressure situations, talented underclassmen bring energy and potential for long-term success. Successful programs find ways to integrate both, creating a pipeline of talent that sustains success over multiple seasons.
Looking ahead to 2024, teams like St. John Fisher may be poised for a resurgence as their young players gain more experience. This cycle of rebuilding and reloading is a constant challenge for college programs across all divisions.
Emerging Programs and the Changing Landscape of Division III Lacrosse
The 2023 season saw several programs make significant strides, challenging the traditional powerhouses of Division III lacrosse. Swarthmore’s victories over Gettysburg serve as a prime example of this changing landscape.
What factors contribute to the rise of emerging programs in Division III lacrosse? Several elements can play a role:
- Increased investment in facilities and coaching
- Improved recruiting strategies
- Development of strong team cultures
- Success breeding success, attracting more talented players
As more programs elevate their level of play, the competition within Division III becomes fiercer. This increased parity can lead to more exciting games, unpredictable tournaments, and a constantly evolving rankings landscape.
The Importance of Tournament Performance in Final Rankings
The final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20 rankings heavily reflect teams’ performances in the NCAA tournament. Salisbury’s championship run vaulted them to the top spot, while strong tournament showings boosted the rankings of teams like Washington and Lee.
How much weight should be given to tournament performance versus regular-season results? This question is a constant debate in college sports. The tournament provides a platform for teams to prove themselves against the best competition, often on neutral fields. However, it also represents a small sample size compared to the full season of games.
For the 2023 rankings, it’s clear that tournament success was highly valued. This approach rewards teams that peak at the right time and perform well under the highest pressure. However, it may undervalue teams that had strong regular seasons but faltered in the tournament.
Offensive vs. Defensive Success: Finding the Right Balance
The 2023 season showcased teams with varying strengths. Salisbury’s championship was built on defensive excellence, while Washington and Lee’s offensive firepower carried them to success. This diversity raises questions about the ideal balance between offense and defense in lacrosse.
Is it better to have an explosive offense or a lockdown defense? The answer likely lies somewhere in the middle. Championship-caliber teams typically excel on both ends of the field. However, the 2023 season demonstrated that teams can find success with different formulas:
- Salisbury: Defense-first approach with timely scoring
- Washington and Lee: High-powered offense that overwhelmed opponents
- Tufts: Balanced attack that dominated throughout the regular season
Coaches must assess their personnel and develop strategies that maximize their team’s strengths while minimizing weaknesses. The most successful programs find ways to be competitive on both offense and defense, adapting their approach based on their opponents and the flow of each game.
Looking Ahead: Predicting the 2024 Landscape
As the dust settles on the 2023 season, attention naturally turns to the future. Which teams are poised for success in 2024? Several factors will influence the landscape of Division III men’s lacrosse next year:
- Returning talent: Teams like St. John Fisher, with four of their top five scorers returning, could see significant improvement.
- Coaching changes: Any shifts in coaching staff could impact team strategies and recruiting.
- Incoming recruits: The strength of each program’s incoming freshman class will play a role in their success.
- Conference realignments: Any changes to conference structures could affect schedules and competitive balance.
Will Salisbury defend their title, or will we see a new champion crowned? Can Tufts bounce back from their championship game loss? Will emerging programs like Swarthmore continue their ascent? These questions and more will make the 2024 season an exciting one to watch for lacrosse fans.
As we look ahead, it’s important to remember the unpredictable nature of college sports. The 2023 season taught us that preseason rankings and expectations don’t always align with end-of-year results. This unpredictability is part of what makes Division III lacrosse so exciting and keeps fans engaged year after year.
Salisbury Checks in Atop Final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20
Salisbury Checks in Atop Final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20 | USA Lacrosse Magazine
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Salisbury Checks in Atop Final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20
Thu Jun 8 2023 | Dan Arestia and Kyle Devitte | College
College Men Division III NCAA Lacrosse Rankings
PHOTO BY RICH BARNES
Salisbury shut down Tufts to win its 13th national championship.
Jim Berkman’s defensive mastery was on display in the national championship game, and as a result, Salisbury lifted its 13th national title and finishes the 2023 reason ranked No. 1 in the Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20.
Tufts, the national runner-up and the top team entering the NCAA tournament, is No. 2. The Jumbos were in search of a perfect season before running into the Sea Gulls.
Nike/USA Lacrosse Rankings
Division I Men | Division I Women
Division II Men | Division II Women
Division III Men | Division III Women
NIKE/USA LACROSSE
DIVISION III MEN’S TOP 20
| Final | W/L | Prev |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Salisbury | 23-1 | 2 |
2 | Tufts | 22-1 | 1 |
3 | Christopher Newport | 19-3 | 4 |
4 | RIT | 21-2 | 3 |
5 | Washington and Lee | 18-5 | 12 |
6 | Dickinson | 17-4 | 5 |
7 | Lynchburg | 15-7 | 13 |
8 | Middlebury | 18-3 | 6 |
9 | Gettysburg | 13-5 | 8 |
10 | Amherst | 12-6 | 7 |
11 | York | 15-6 | 11 |
12 | Denison | 16-4 | 9 |
13 | Union | 12-7 | 18 |
14 | St. | 12-6 | NR |
15 | Williams | 10-8 | 17 |
16 | Bowdoin | 11-5 | 16 |
17 | Cabrini | 14-5 | 15 |
18 | Grove City | 11-9 | NR |
19 | Swarthmore | 14-4 | 10 |
20 | Babson | 13-5 | 20 |
LawrenceAlso considered (alphabetical order): Clarkson, Hampden-Sydney, Muhlenberg, Stevens
IN CLOSING
A quick look at the biggest storylines of 2023.
BIGGEST UPSET
In 2022, St. John Fisher lost just three games, the last of which was in the NCAA tournament at the hands of a Tufts-colored buzzsaw.
Fisher was senior-heavy and dynamic on offense. It controlled possessions and knew when and how to put its foot on the gas. Preseason polls put St. John Fisher somewhere in the 15-19 neighborhood. Yes, a very talented senior class had graduated, but there were some bright young contributors in 2022, and it’s hard to imagine a bare cupboard after the year they had.
Well, 2023 did not go quite as well. St. John Fisher lost eight of the first nine games, with one postponement, early in the year. It plummeted from the polls, and it was clear that a rebuild was underway. There were battles in those losses, falling to RIT by just two, CNU by four and Ursinus and Muhlenberg by one. But as can happen with a young team, those close games more often seem to be losses than wins. St. John Fisher’s early season experience paid off in an excellent second half of the spring, as SJFC went 9-2 over the last 11 games. Four of the top five scorers return next season, and multiple freshmen in prominent roles will be a year better.
Possibly poised to return to the Top 10 in 2024, it was a stunner to see the start of 2023 go how it did.
BIGGEST STATEMENT WIN
Other than the title game, this Swarthmore victory over Gettysburg felt like a seismic shift in the balance of power in Division III. Gettysburg had beaten Salisbury (which remains the Gulls’ only loss of 2023), Washington and Lee, Ursinus, Stevenson and York … surely, it was going to handle little ol’ Swarthmore. This season, there was no “surely.”
On April 8, Swarthmore, a team that was only well known in Pennsylvanian circles and the dark netherworlds of D-III message boards, led by the Mabbs boys, knocked off the blue-blooded Bullets. Swarthmore made a massive leap into the Top 20 the next week and climbed from there. In fact, Swarthmore liked the win so much, it did it again about a month later.
NOT ENOUGH LOVE
Mea culpa. The Generals were outside of the top 10 for way too long this season.
Hindsight is a fickle and vengeful mistress, but we must respect her. W&L made a convincing run in the NCAA tournament to silence even the most ardent of doubters. This team put up 20 goals 10 times this season. The Generals finished seventh overall in team offense with 17.52 goals per game. Scoring was never the problem.
A three-game losing streak in the first half of the season is the most likely reason why pundits didn’t rate W&L, but when you look at those losses, two were in overtime, one against Lynchburg and one against Hampden-Sydney. And the third loss was against a surging CNU team chasing the No. 1 spot at that point in the season.
W&L’s run through the playoffs ended with a quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Salisbury, but up until that point, the Generals were one of the most fun teams to watch in the nation. Not just because of the goals, but the play between the boxes and the end product of a squad that grew into itself throughout the spring.
NCAA Lacrosse Rankings
Middlebury Leads Wire-to-Wire in Nike/USA Lacrosse D-III Women’s Top 20
Jun 8 2023 | Laurel Pfahler
NCAA Lacrosse Rankings
Salisbury Checks in Atop Final Nike/USA Lacrosse Division III Men’s Top 20
Jun 8 2023 | Dan Arestia and Kyle Devitte
Division III
Ithaca Head Coach Jeff Long Retires After 36 Seasons
Jun 2 2023 | Kenny DeJohn
Division III
Another One: Salisbury’s Untraditional Route to its 13th National Championship
May 28 2023 | Matt Hamilton
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Best lacrosse elbow pads
Which lacrosse elbow pads are best?
Lacrosse is an aggressive contact sport. Protection from hits and checks is an absolute necessity. A defender will use a check to knock the ball out of an opponent’s stick head, and although it should only be stick to stick, oftentimes the elbows take the hit.
Before buying elbow pads, however, it’s important to know the position and the style of play for you or your player. For the most versatile lacrosse elbow pads, the STX Lacrosse Cell 4 Lacrosse Elbow Pads are the top choice.
What to know before you buy lacrosse elbow pads
Sizing
Much like knee pads, lacrosse elbow pads come in many different sizes such as small, medium and large. There are youth sizes available as well. It’s best to have an idea of your size and take a look at the dimensions on the descriptions to ensure that they have a proper, snug fit to maximize their protection and comfort. The last thing you want is your pads sliding around during a match and failing to protect you from hits.
Field positions
In the game of lacrosse, there are four main field positions, each requiring different levels of protection. The attack position needs more protection against incoming checks. The midfield position dodges checks from up top, making for fewer checks.
The defense position often doesn’t take checks unless clearing the ball, and of course, the goalie doesn’t take checks at all. These factors are all important when deciding which elbow pads are best.
Terminology
Although they are all, by definition, elbow pads, lacrosse elbow pads can use a different vernacular to describe the differences of their designs. There are arm guards which are best for the attack position due to their added protection. There are also arm pads, which are best for midfield positions with less protection but more mobility. Elbow caps for the defense have the least amount of protection but the most mobility.
What to look for in quality lacrosse elbow pads
Adjustable straps
Although the lacrosse elbow pads do come in different sizes, everyone is different. It’s best to have some adjustment and customizable fit to ensure that it’s comfortable and does not slide up and down the arm, leaving it vulnerable to checks. Usually, lacrosse elbow pads have one to three straps to ensure a secure fit.
Hard shells vs. soft shells
The level of protection needed is most certainly going to depend on the position that you are playing most often. Hard shells offer more protection but it is possible that they will limit mobility. Soft shells offer less protection but maximize mobility. Which design is better depends on the position and the level of protection that you prefer.
Ventilation
Moisture control and ventilation are something to look into when it comes to upgraded versions of lacrosse elbow pads. Without ventilation, there can be added moisture which could lead to discomfort or irritation. Technology in this sport is constantly improving, so there should be some breathability without sacrificing vital protection.
How much you can expect to spend on lacrosse elbow pads
Typically, lacrosse elbow pads can start around $20 for the most basic levels of protection, but more advanced models with better levels of protection, comfort, and ventilation can cost up to $115.
Lacrosse elbow pads FAQ
What other protection is needed for the sport of lacrosse?
A. It depends on the position, but most often players are required to have a stick, mouthguard, and protective eyewear. The goalie, however, is required to wear a helmet with a face mask, a separate throat protector, padded gloves and a chest protector.
How fast can a lacrosse ball fly?
A. It depends on the level of expertise but in youth lacrosse, balls can be thrown as fast as 75 miles per hour. In professional lacrosse, balls can whip at speeds of up to 105 miles per hour.
What are the best lacrosse elbow pads to buy?
Top lacrosse elbow pads
STX Lacrosse Cell 4 Lacrosse Elbow Pads
What you need to know: These pads offer a range of motion without sacrificing mobility. They are great for any lacrosse player playing multiple positions.
What you’ll love: Their new Geoflex II technology is 25% more flexible while remaining lightweight.
It has a breathable protection system that allows airflow through the pad to help moisture control. Silicone tape inside the sleeve helps it stay in place.
What you should consider: These lacrosse elbow pads don’t have any adjustable straps for custom comfort.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Shop Now
Top lacrosse elbow pads for the money
Brine Lacrosse Clutch Elbow Pads
What you need to know: These lacrosse elbow pads are able to withstand high impacts without limiting mobility, making them great for defensive players.
What you’ll love: The ventilator stretch sleeve provides flexibility and comfort while keeping dry. Each pad is constructed with grid-flex, making a single-piece design that provides a flexible form fit. The compression-molded foam can take on enhanced impacts and performance.
What you should consider: These pads may not be the best for attacking positions due to their size.
There are also no adjustable straps for adjustments to make a custom fit.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Shop Now
Worth checking out
Epoch Integra Lacrosse Arm Guards for Attackmen
What you need to know: The hard shell design makes these pads ideal for attacking players.
What you’ll love: The dual-density foam reduces the amount of stitching needed on the pad, improving flexibility, movement and protection. Each pad has a sandwich locking system, allowing for a custom fit.
What you should consider: These elbow pads may not be the best for defensive players or midfield positions because they could limit mobility.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Shop Now
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Alec Welsh writes for BestReviews.
BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
YCT Canister 12610560 214 2137 Lacrosse reviews and…
Failed about 60 days after 900 was installed 09
Kelly N. Noonan
Level 1
1266 Reviewed
37 Karma
The product is easy to install and fixes the problem right from the start. However, about 60 days after installation, the device failed. most likely just a bad block.
Pros
Cons
Contact Seller
P0496 helped me
Luca W.
Washington
Level 1
1281 Review
62 Karma
Diagnose carefully! Not all 496s are the same! Great cheap alternative as I partly suspected as I don’t have the bi-directional ability to seal the tank properly.
Pros
Hands free
Cons
Highly recommended: spare parts
Jonathan U. Unruh
1 Level
744 Review
61 Karma
I couldn’t find a shop nearby that had exactly these parts for my make and model. Three different stores told me a different part. You were the only one with a part that looked like the one on my car that was said to match my year, make and model. The price was reasonable. Thank you very much
Pros
GOLS certified
Cons
Some questions
900 99 Published on September 09, 2022 
097Z”> Updated on September 09, 2022
The screw was the wrong size for my machine
Jeff L. Labore
Level 1
777 Review
87 Karma
I bought this for a 2015 Chevy Impala, Revane said it would fit my car but the screw that attached it to the car was the wrong size . It didn’t go in very easily, so I removed it and compared it to the vent valve I removed from my car and noticed the screw was bigger. Fortunately, I stopped without damaging the car. I then used the screw from the old drain valve without any problems. Come on, Revane, don’t tell me it’s okay if it’s not.
Pros
Still happy
Cons
I write back
Checked engine issue on YouTube Aaron S.
Schultz coders. This will save you a lot of money. If I had the exhaust valve replaced at the dealer it would have cost me about $245. I did it myself, the total time was 12 minutes. Another thing you should do when you have engine problems is to watch it on YouTube. You can see how most of these things work and how to fix them, and then you can decide…0007
Pros
Best
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Ugly packaging
90 171 Published September 09, 2022
Same as “AC Delco” Expensive part .
Jeho O. Odor
Level 1
754 Review
85 Karma
This part is a very common problem on all GMC Terrians and even Saturn SUVs. Mine came out a few weeks ago and all the local auto parts stores were charging over $75 for their “brand name” version. I ordered this from Revain after looking at many others and reading the reviews.
He had reviews, as well as several questions from buyers, to which the seller immediately gave clear and factual answers. The item is exactly the same as the listing and it was very easy to…
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Slightly wrinkled
A week has passed and the check does not light up
Francisco H. Holmes
1 Level
781 Recall
55 Karma
My car started giving code P044 and I knew sending it to Cadillac would result in a bill of several hundred dollars until they “diagnosed” exactly what the problem was, according to read codes, and will not make part of the markup. I spent $20 on it, watched a YouTube video explaining where to find it (I’ve never seen most of them, you have to feel it), and twenty minutes later it was installed.
It’s been a week, so far everything is fine with the code. The only problem…
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Cons
Not bad, but… talented athletes who demonstrate their power on the whole world. Every year this list is updated with new names, and the year 2021 is no exception. Life remembers those who lit up last year and are not going to slow down in the coming.
Arsen Zakharyan
Football player Arsen Zakharyan. Photo © TASS / Oleg Bukharev
The young football player of Dynamo has long been on the pencil of all the leading clubs in the world. The British media included him in the list of the most promising players in the world, but it was not until 2021 that he got his chance. And he took full advantage of it: goals scored, assists and an absolutely fantastic game that surprised everyone. As a result – a call to the Russian team. At the age of 18, it’s quite incredible.
In addition to this, the media regularly write about the interest in Zakharyan from almost all the leading clubs in Europe.
Just think about it: Chelsea, Barcelona, Liverpool – and this is not the whole list of possible contenders for Zakharyan. True, while neither Dynamo is going to part with him, nor the footballer himself is going to leave the camp of the blue and white.You can’t stay away: The main hope of Russian football can go to Europe
Checklist for Zakharyan for 2022 (hereinafter according to Life):
- win the Russian championship with Dynamo, or at least medals;
- go to the World Cup in Qatar with the Russian team;
- ignite in the international arena.
Kamila Valieva
Figure skater Kamila Valieva. Photo © TASS / Valery Sharifulin
The whole world already knows her name. It seems that absolutely all fans of figure skating were waiting for the day of her start at the adult level. Kamila Valieva burst into a new world for herself at such a speed that no one can stop her for now, and, it seems, in the short term, no one can.
She has everything she needs in her arsenal: grace, complex elements and heartbreaking programs (a vivid example is a free program for the immortal “Bolero”).As a result, in 2021, Valieva tore apart all her rivals at the Grand Prix stages, won the Russian Championship and broke a bunch of world records. And their own. If Alexandra Trusova is a “Russian rocket”, then Valieva can be awarded the nickname “comet”. Now all figure skating fans are waiting for what will happen there in Beijing.
Perfection: 15-year-old Valieva becomes a world figure skating star and is going to beat everyone at the Olympics
Checklist for Valieva for 2022:
- win the Beijing Olympics;
- become a world and European champion;
- break a couple more world records.
Vladislava Urazova
Gymnast Vladislava Urazova. Photo © Getty Images / Toru Hanai
While Valieva is breaking world records at the age of 15, gymnast Vladislava Urazova at 17 has the gold of the Tokyo Olympics, the silver of the European Championships and the status of a permanent participant in the largest competitions in the world in her collection of awards.
She must have been very upset at the Tokyo Games, when she was just a little short of a medal in the individual all-around.She is praised not only by numerous fans and experts, but even by her teammates. So, the leader of the Russian national team – Angelina Melnikova – after the finals of the individual all-around, she highly appreciated the abilities of the young Urazova.
– Vlada Urazova is a heroine. She passed the all-around without falling – well done! This is her first Olympic Games – everything is ahead. She loses a lot in terms of difficulty on freestyle, but today she made her maximum ,” Melnikova told the “Championship”.
Checklist for Urazova for 2022:
- become world champion;
- win the European Championship;
- become the new leader of the world gymnastics.
Aslan Karatsev
Tennis player Aslan Karatsev. Photo © TASS / Mikhail Tereshchenko
Yes, many will be surprised, but 28-year-old Aslan Karatsev is not at all superfluous on this list among much younger colleagues.
It was 2021 that became a breakthrough year for the native of Vladikavkaz. Yes, he has been on the court for far from the first year (Karatsev made his debut already in 2016 at the Davis Cup), but it was in this that he made a crazy jump up the ATP rating.Writing history: The Russian team won the Davis Cup for the third time and ended the grand year of our tennis
Just think, in 2020 he was in the second hundred of the world ranking, and now in the first twenty! The semi-finals of the Australian Open, victories in tournaments in Dubai and Moscow, success in doubles, Olympic silver – all this is just a small part of Karatsev’s phenomenal merits. Now he is the elite of not only Russian, but also world tennis, and this is confirmed by the Progress of the Year award from the ATP.
Checklist for Karatsev for 2022:
- win a Grand Slam;
- break into the top 5 of the world ranking;
- to please the fans with new bright victories.
Evgeniya Chikunova
Swimmer Evgeniya Chikunova. Photo © TASS / Stanislav Krasilnikov
The young swimmer has also been in the elite, if not world, then Russian swimming, for several years. However, the year 2021 has become a truly breakthrough year for her. 17-year-old Evgenia Chikunova managed to reach a new level and began to take the first international awards at the adult level, which is good news.
So, Chikunova has silver medals at the World Short Course Championships, European Championships in regular and short courses, and gold at the Continental Short Course Forum. Taking into account the fact that Chikunova swims breaststroke, we can safely talk about a worthy change for Yulia Efimova. However, she’s not going anywhere yet. However, Chikunova is already impressive. Let it not work out at the Tokyo Olympics, but she is only 17, which means that everything is ahead.
Breaking their own world records: Russia has a powerful swimming team ahead of the Olympics
Checklist for Chikunova for 2022:
- to take the gold of the World Aquatics Championship;
- break new records, and not only youth ones;
- become a real “queen of Russian swimming”.
Matvey Michkov
Hockey player Matvey Michkov. Photo © TASS / Pyotr Kovalev
17-year-old hockey player Matvey Michkov is a real discovery of this year in Russian, and, possibly, world hockey. The SKA striker started playing in the KHL regular season, scored the first goal there and ended up in the Russian national team. And what do you think? The young striker not only took advantage of the chance, but even scored a goal in the Eurotour match against the Swedish team.
Tretiak and Ovechkin left behind: How the new Russian hockey star breaks record after record His signature style is lacrosse goals. If you have never seen what it is, then take a couple of minutes of your time and take a look at this magic. Michkov already has several records that previously belonged not just to anyone, but to Alexander Ovechkin himself. There is every chance that the career of a young native of Perm will be just as bright.
com/embed/UTzPny31p5o” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen=””> Michkov’s checklist for 2022:
- become a regular player of the Russian team and win the Beijing Olympics and the World Championship with it;
- win the Gagarin Cup with SKA;
- to be in the NHL and far from the last places in the draft.
Daniil Khudyakov
Athlete Daniil Khudyakov. Photo © TASS / Anton Novoderezhkin
As often happens in team sports, various disqualifications and injuries of more experienced colleagues help young people’s careers. So the 17-year-old goalkeeper of Lokomotiv Daniil Khudyakov this year got his chances only after Guilherme was first red carded and then injured.
By the way, there are almost no questions about the game of a very young goalkeeper. Yes, he still lacks confidence, perhaps, but if necessary, Khudyakov saves.
And he managed to play in the Europa League, and in the RPL. As a result, for two months in a row, Lokomotiv fans have recognized Khudyakov as the player of the month. I really want the career of a young goalkeeper to continue as rapidly.Checklist for Khudyakov for 2022:
- become Lokomotiv’s main goalkeeper;
- to be the best player not only according to the fans;
- grow up to the main Russian team.
Victoria Listunova
Gymnast Victoria Listunova. Photo © Getty Images / Fred Lee
Another young Russian artistic gymnastics star is Victoria Listunova. She is only 16 years old, but she already has decent adult awards. Three gold medals at the Russian Championship in 2021, gold at the European Championship in Basel of the same year and a victory at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in the team all-around.
By the way, she is already calmly ahead of Angelina Melnikova in some types of the program, which means that she may well become the new leader of the team.
Just think about it: Chelsea, Barcelona, Liverpool – and this is not the whole list of possible contenders for Zakharyan. True, while neither Dynamo is going to part with him, nor the footballer himself is going to leave the camp of the blue and white.
She has everything she needs in her arsenal: grace, complex elements and heartbreaking programs (a vivid example is a free program for the immortal “Bolero”).
She must have been very upset at the Tokyo Games, when she was just a little short of a medal in the individual all-around.
It was 2021 that became a breakthrough year for the native of Vladikavkaz. Yes, he has been on the court for far from the first year (Karatsev made his debut already in 2016 at the Davis Cup), but it was in this that he made a crazy jump up the ATP rating.
And he managed to play in the Europa League, and in the RPL. As a result, for two months in a row, Lokomotiv fans have recognized Khudyakov as the player of the month. I really want the career of a young goalkeeper to continue as rapidly.
