Ex-biathlete of the Russian national team Daria Virolainen On , she spoke about her sporting plans in Finland and also said she didn’t consider herself a traitor.
On Friday, it was learned that the International Biathlon Union (IBU) had cleared Virolainen, 34, to represent Finland at international level. The athlete has lived in Finland since 2016, two years ago she received citizenship of this country.
– There are also qualifying competitions for the World Cup. They will take place in mid-November, probably in Kontiolahti. I have to go to the IBU Cup first, because I haven’t competed for a long time, and then we’ll see.
Funding is more related to sponsors, but now I don’t have them here, as I haven’t shown any results here yet. There will be a result – there will be sponsors. While we try to shoot by ourselves. Then I hope to find a sponsor, or they will find me themselves.
I don’t read social networks, I don’t have time. Last year too, I did not attach any importance to it. I don’t know what they said there, that I was a “traitor” and so on… I don’t feel that. I moved to Finland a long time ago, I was still racing for the Russian team. We moved in 2016. The children study and go to kindergarten in Finland. I hope people will understand. I have another chance to prove myself on the international stage, I want to use it. Why not?
Reaction of rivals? We will address issues as they arise. Why prepare yourself for negativity? If so, I will summarize or explain myself and communicate one way or another.
All my relatives and relatives are in Russia. The grandchildren go to their grandparents, sisters in Russia. We communicate well. I will definitely visit Russia,” Virolainen told .
Virolainen is the eldest daughter of three-time Olympic champion Anfisa Reztsova. She is European champion in the single mixed relay and double silver medalist in the World Cup stages with the Russian team.
Source : MatchTV
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