A prominent figure in Russian cheerleading, Elizaveta Koloskova, captain of the Senator sports club and the national team, spoke with a journalist from socialbites.ca about the impact of the national team’s exclusion from international events. Her words capture a moment of disappointment felt across athletes who train for years for continental and Olympic stages.
Koloskova explained that hopes for competing in the 2022 continental championship began to fade as Russia and its teams faced suspensions and the dissolution of international sports federations. The shift came into clearer focus when the first penalties were handed down, signaling a seismic change in the sport’s competitive landscape.
While commuting on the subway, she recalled receiving a letter from the International Cheerleading Federation confirming the suspension of Russian and Belarusian teams. She described a mix of emotions that proved difficult to mask in public. Tears, she admitted, broke through despite efforts to stay composed, a natural reaction to a situation that felt both personal and national in scope. The weight of what had changed, and what might never be the same, pressed down with unexpected intensity.
Koloskova noted that three years of preparation for continental competitions seemed to vanish in an instant. The dream had been bright and attainable, only to be dimmed by the new geopolitical and organizational realities surrounding international cheerleading. She drew a poignant comparison to Olympic athletes, acknowledging the unique strain they now endure as Paris 2024 selections begin. Many competitors devote their entire lives to reaching the Games, and the current disruptions bring a renewed sense of empathy for that enduring commitment, even if she cannot fully share their exact experience.
The interview sheds light on the emotional and logistical challenges faced by athletes when governing bodies alter eligibility and competition pathways. It also underscores the broader consequences for teams in regions affected by sanctions and organizational realignments, including shifts in training schedules, travel plans, and access to international events. The sentiment she shared is a reminder of the human side of sports, where discipline, teamwork, and ambition must contend with political and administrative decisions that determine the stage on which athletes perform.
For readers seeking a deeper understanding of Koloskova’s perspective and the current state of cheerleading governance, the full interview provides additional context and reflections on resilience, preparation, and the evolving structure of cheer competitions in Russia and Europe. This account is presented as part of ongoing coverage that examines how athletes adapt to changes in the international sports world and what those adaptations mean for the sport’s future in the region.
Historically, cheerleading competitions in Russia and Europe have varied in organization, rules, and qualification pathways. The interview highlights these differences and offers a grounded view of how athletes navigate disparate systems while maintaining competitive spirit and commitment to excellence. It is a candid reminder that sports, while driven by performance and awards, also depend on collaborative frameworks that enable fair play, standardized judging, and meaningful international participation.
Ultimately, Koloskova’s account serves as a case study in endurance under pressure. Her reflections speak to a broader audience of athletes who face similar disruptions and to fans who follow the journey of teams across borders. The story is not only about the shock of a sudden suspension but also about the ongoing pursuit of athletic achievement, the preparation that precedes major events, and the steadfast belief that competition will resume when circumstances permit. The full interview continues to offer insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the sport and its athletes, including how national teams adapt their training, leadership, and competition calendars in response to international governance changes. [citation: socialbites.ca interview].