Stanislav Pozdnyakov, who leads the Russian Olympic Committee, voiced strong criticism after reports that Russian fencers Sergei Bida, Violetta Bida, and Konstantin Lokhanov, who now competes for the United States, intend to pursue American citizenship to participate in future national team events. The remarks appeared in coverage by RIA News, which quoted Pozdnyakov as saying the move would be noted by observers but would not alter Moscow’s stance on its own team’s integrity and competitive standing.
Pozdnyakov did not mince words. He highlighted what he described as the temporary suspension and restricted actions imposed on the ROC by various authorities until a decision is reached by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He indicated that the federation would monitor the situation but would not allow foreign nationality changes to influence Russia’s competitive landscape or its internal disciplinary processes. In his view, the consequences of such choices would be apparent only to those who understand the broader sports governance framework involved in Olympic fencing at the highest level.
Reports from USA Today confirmed that Sergei Bida remains a member of the Russian saber squad, while Konstantin Lokhanov plans to compete for the United States during the 2024 Paris Olympic cycle. Violetta Bida, who previously fenced for Russia, is noted as having participated in competitions that she could not attend at the Tokyo Games due to pregnancy, a detail that has been widely reported in international fencing circles. These developments have been the subject of considerable discussion among fans and analysts who monitor the cross-border movements of elite athletes in fencing and other Olympic disciplines.
On December 26, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs placed Sergei and Violetta Bida on a wanted list, a move that carries the potential for significant legal consequences if they return to Russian soil. Authorities indicated that the couple could face up to ten years in prison under applicable provisions, reflecting the seriousness with which Russia treats compliance with national sports regulations and the transfer of athletes to foreign federations without permission. The situation involves the joint participation of active officers from the Russian Guard and other military personnel in U.S. competitions, prompting questions about the alignment between sport allegiances and state service obligations.
Sergei Bida is recognized as an epee fencer who earned a silver medal in the team event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He is also a three-time European champion in team events and a two-time World Championship medalist, including a silver in individual events and bronze in the team category in 2020. Violetta Bida, who competed under her maiden name Khrapina, claimed a silver medal in the team epee at the 2019 World Championships and took part in the Tokyo Olympics, although the latter did not yield podium finishes for her. These career highlights illustrate the high calibre of the Bida siblings on the world stage and the potential implications of their nationality decisions for Russia’s fencing legacy.
In prior cycles, there was support within the United States fencing community for the idea that the Bid(s) might compete for the U.S. national team in future Olympic events. The ongoing debates around citizenship, eligibility, and national representation in fencing reflect broader conversations about how athletes navigate dual allegiances amid intensive international competition. For now, the story continues to unfold as authorities in both countries assess eligibility, security considerations, and the strategic impact on team rosters ahead of Paris 2024 and beyond.