Elena Kulichenko, an athlete who switched citizenship from Russia to Cyprus, captured the US college title in Pennsylvania. Details of the achievement appeared on the official tournament site. The competition spotlighted Kulichenko as she soared to a height of 1.97 meters, equaling the event record on her third attempt. She shared the gold medal with Rose Yeboah of the University of Illinois, marking a memorable joint victory that highlighted the depth of talent at the NCAA championships.
The citizenship change occurred in 2021, when Kulichenko opted for Cypriot nationality while continuing her studies and training in the United States. Her family background, including support from her businessman father, facilitated the process, enabling her to acquire Cypriot citizenship as part of investment activities exceeding two million euros. This strategic move aligned with her growing athletic career and opportunities within collegiate competition.
On August 8, 2023, Kulichenko secured a silver medal in the high jump at the Universiade in Chengdu, China, clearing 1.91 meters. The gold was won by Amoanimaa Yeboah, who achieved a higher mark by three centimeters. The event proceeded without participation from Russian and Belarusian athletes due to sanctions affecting their teams, which shaped the competitive field and added a unique context to the podium results.
Earlier that year, Kulichenko claimed the title at the 2023 European Junior Athletics Championships in Espoo, Finland, on July 17. Her victory marked the first European junior gold for Cyprus, underscoring a historic milestone for the nation in the sport. The performance reflected a consistent rise through junior ranks and signaled her potential on the European stage.
In later reflections, Kulichenko indicated that the United States presented challenges that did not suit her in certain respects, prompting thoughtful consideration of the pathways that best align with her athletic goals and life balance. The journey illustrates how athletes navigate national affiliations, international competitions, and personal development while pursuing excellence in high-level track and field events.