Elena Kulichenko, a high jumper who shifted citizenship from Russia to Cyprus, spoke candidly about the dress code at the University of Georgia in a recent interview with Sports Express. She described a scene where there is effectively no formal dress code on campus. The athlete noted a sense of discomfort in hot weather as students, especially female classmates, walked the campus in light clothing. She observed that some appeared as if they were wearing little more than undergarments, and she admitted that the sight seemed excessive to her. There were also days when students arrived in flip-flops, a choice she interpreted as a preference for comfort over uniformity. Yet she acknowledged the reasoning behind dress guidelines, recognizing that they can convey a degree of professionalism.
Kulichenko emphasized that personal comfort should not be dismissed in the rush of campus life. She argued that freedom of choice matters and described how she appreciates being able to opt for a cozy sweatshirt when there is cold or fatigue. In her view, style boundaries should remain flexible and not lead to extremes. The athlete suggested that when someone appears in formal attire, it can invite sideways glances that feel unnecessary, reinforcing the idea that self-expression should coexist with practicality.
In 2021, Kulichenko altered her sports allegiance by acquiring Cypriot citizenship. She currently resides and trains in the United States, supported by her family. The change came through a process backed by investment, with funds contributing to the grant of Cypriot citizenship. Her father, a businessman, played a key role in facilitating this transition.
In the 2023 season, Kulichenko achieved a landmark victory at the European Junior Athletics Championships in Espoo, Finland, securing Cyprus’ first-ever gold medal in the competition. The triumph marked a historic moment for the country and highlighted Kulichenko’s rising profile on the international athletics stage.
Later that year, on August 8, she earned a silver medal in the high jump at the Universiade held in Chengdu, China. This performance reinforced her status as a leading young talent in high jump on a global scale.
Earlier statements from Kulichenko contained controversy, including remarks about the American public, which she described as containing a notable number of people she viewed as lacking seriousness. The athlete’s comments sparked discussion about cultural and social dynamics within the United States and how they intersect with sports and national identity.