Elena Kulichenko on Citizenship, Culture, and International Athletics

Elena Kulichenko, an athlete who switched her sports citizenship from Russia to Cyprus, spoke in a comprehensive interview about the challenges of adapting to life in the United States and the mindset shift that comes with moving to a different country. The topic touched on personal identity, cultural expectations, and the realities of competing on an international stage. Kulichenko explained that adapting fully to a new homeland is never instantaneous, even for someone with a long-term commitment to training and competition in a foreign country. The process involves not only language and daily routines but also an understanding of societal norms and the subtle cues of everyday life that shape how athletes prepare, train, and compete at the highest levels.