Varvara Subbotina, a multiple world champion in synchronized swimming, stands by her Russian roots and has stated clearly that she has no intention of changing her sporting citizenship. She views herself as a patriot of Russia and speaks openly about it. Subbotina has dedicated her life to representing her country’s colors, and she believes switching teams would not be appropriate during these challenging times for Russian sport. The athlete has earned four World Championship titles and three European Championships, confirming her status as one of the sport’s elite competitors. A setback in her career came with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where she could not compete due to an ear-related health issue that affected her readiness for the event.
In early 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued guidance to international sports federations that Russian and Belarusian athletes should not participate in competitions. Then, at a meeting of the IOC executive committee on March 28, 2022, the committee recommended that Russians could compete under a neutral status as long as they were not actively supporting hostilities. It also clarified that athletes affiliated with law enforcement or armed forces would not be eligible to participate under these neutral conditions. These steps were part of a broader effort to separate sport from ongoing geopolitical tensions while maintaining competitive integrity. IOC decision, 2022
Subbotina has, in the past, voiced concern that appearance and public perception can sometimes overshadow athletic merit. She has emphasized that performance, dedication, and consistency should be the true measures of an athlete’s worth, even amid intense media scrutiny and national expectations. This perspective underscores the complex interplay between national identity, athletic achievement, and the way athletes are evaluated in times of political strain. Athlete commentary, 2021–2022
As the sport world continues to navigate the consequences of the IOC guidance and related policy changes, Subbotina remains focused on training, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence in synchronized swimming. Her comments reflect a broader conversation about how athletes balance personal allegiance, national pride, and international participation when geopolitical realities influence eligibility and competition structure. The conversation also highlights the ongoing debate over neutrality rules and how they affect athletes who have long represented their countries on the world stage. Sports governance context, 2022
Observers note that Subbotina’s stance illustrates a broader tension between personal patriotism and the practical realities of elite international sport. While some athletes may consider changing national representation to adapt to new circumstances, others stay committed to their home country and work within the evolving framework of international sport to compete, inspire, and uphold the records they have helped establish. In Subbotina’s case, the emphasis remains on her achievements, her role as a leader in the pool, and her ongoing contribution to Russia’s legacy in synchronized swimming. Analytical take, 2022–2024