Russian swimmer Spodarenko commented on the change of sports citizenship in Kazakhstan

Russian swimming champion Sofia Spodarenko said it was difficult for her to make the decision to change sport citizenship in Kazakhstan.

Earlier, All-Russian Swimming Federation President Vladimir Salnikov told that Spodarenko will play for the Kazakhstan national team. The 25-year-old athlete’s transition to the national team of Kazakhstan has been confirmed by the International Swimming Federation (World Aquatics).

– I did not hide this fact, but I could not speak publicly until all processes were completed. I am happy to announce that I now represent the national team of Kazakhstan as a professional athlete. It was not an easy decision, it was a conscious and mature choice.

This year has definitely changed me. I would like to thank the All-Russian Swimming Federation. This is the system I grew up in and showed good results. Special thanks to the Swimming Federation of the Tyumen region, ”spodarenko posted on the social network.

The last time Spodarenko played for the Russian national team in 2019 was at the Universiade in Naples. The athlete was born in Kazakhstan and restored the citizenship of this country.