Swimmer Sofia Spodarenko, in a video message posted on Instagram (the owner of Meta company was considered extremist and banned in Russia), said she changed her Russian sports citizenship to Kazakhstan.
“I did not hide this fact, but I could not speak publicly until all processes were completed. I am happy to announce that I am now representing the Kazakhstan national team as a professional athlete.
It was not an easy decision, it was a conscious and mature choice that has definitely changed me this year. I would like to thank the All-Russian Swimming Federation. This is the system in which I grew up and showed good results, ”said the athlete.
Spodarenko, 25, is a native of the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan. 2018 Russian champion in the 50 m butterfly.
On July 14, President of the All-Russian Swimming Federation (VFTU) Vladimir Salnikov announced the decision of the International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics) not to dismiss the WWF despite Ukraine’s demands.
Previously in Ukraine expressed readiness It will participate in the 2024 Games with the acceptance of the Russians.