Two-time Olympic champion Sofia Velikaya noted that Russian fencers who move to the United States should be allowed to run their lives as they see fit. The remarks were reported by RIA News and reflect a belief that personal autonomy remains important for athletes facing international opportunities.
Her comment was delivered in a light moment, with Velikaya explaining that the decision belongs to the athletes themselves. I’m at home, she joked, underscoring that the choice to relocate is a personal matter beyond public scrutiny.
During the summer, Sergei and Violetta Bida, previously part of the Russian fencing team at recent Olympic Games, relocated to the United States. Before them, Konstantin Lokhanov also moved abroad. Today, all three are involved in fencing in the United States, serving as coaches and taking part in American competitions, including events that serve as qualifiers for joining the U.S. national team.
Towards the end of December, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs added Sergei and Violetta Bida to its wanted list, a development that has cast a shadow over their legal status in Russia and highlighted the broader tensions surrounding athletes who relocate abroad.
Sofia Velikaya is celebrated as a two-time Olympic team champion in 2016 and 2020, a three-time Olympic silver medalist in the individual events across 2012, 2016 and 2020, and a formidable presence in fencing with eight world titles and 14 European championships to her name. Her career also includes multiple Russian championship titles, illustrating a sustained level of elite performance over many years.
A former UFC title challenger has commented publicly on political alignment, indicating that Russia’s political stance aligns closely with his own views. This statement adds another layer of complexity to the broader conversation about athletes and national identity in the current geopolitical climate.