Russian speed skater Semirunniy will compete for the Polish national team
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20-year-old Russian speed skater, Russian speed skating champion Vladimir Semirunniy said that he decided to change his sports citizenship and start competing for the Polish national team.
The athlete connected his decision with the Russian Federation’s suspension from participation in international competitions, because of which he risks being left without the opportunity to participate in the World Championships and Olympic Games. “I need international practice. I notified the Russian Skating Union of my desire to change my sports citizenship and compete for the Polish national team,” the skater said in an interview with the TV channel “Match TV”. He also thanked all the Russian coaches who had previously worked with him.
President of the Russian Skating Union Nikolai Gulyaev in a conversation with TASS confirmed that the organization received an application from Vladimir Semirunny to change his sports citizenship. Now the Ministry of Sports of Russia is dealing with the issue of coordinating the change of sports citizenship of a speed skater.
According to him, even if the athlete’s transfer to the Polish national team is fully agreed, he will be able to play for it only after two years. Mr. Gulyaev also stated that he does not consider Vladimir Semirunny to be a great talent. “As for the level, he runs and runs. It’s rated in Russia, but not at the global level,” added the head of the Russian Skating Union.
Polish sports officials have not yet commented on the situation surrounding the Russian speed skater’s transfer to their team.
Vladimir Semirunny in 2022 was the champion of Russia in speed skating at a distance of 10 km. At this year’s national championship he won silver medals in the classical all-around.
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