Russian world champion in group rhythmic gymnastics ditches her homeland to perform for another country

Former world champion in group rhythmic gymnastics Alexandra Semenova, who has represented Russia in the past, now plans to compete for Armenia in international competitions, her mother and coach Victoria Tekel told TASS in an interview. The 26-year-old athlete became famous in 2014, winning gold at the World Cup as part of the Russian national team, as well as three medals at the European Championships.

In 2015, Semenova left the Russian national team. She mostly participated in individual competitions in recent years.

Tekel explained that the decision to switch to the Armenian flag was due to Alexandra's desire to participate in international tournaments again.

"Alexandra wants to try herself in international competitions," she said. "At the same time, she will continue to perform in Russia and organize competitions in Veliky Novgorod, and her transition will not affect her activities to promote gymnastics in the country."

Semenova's first performance for Armenia may take place at the Friendship Cup in Yerevan in December. The tournament is not included in the calendar of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), but Russian athletes representing their clubs will also compete there. According to Tekel, the invitation came from Natalia Arzakantsyan, the tournament's organizer and former vice president of the Armenian Gymnastics Federation.

In 2018, Semenova was banned for violating anti-doping rules for two years, which, according to her mother, was a difficult test for the athlete.

"After the break, Alexandra is eager to return to the international arena and plans to continue training to compete in major competitions," Tekel added.

It is worth noting that after the events of February 24, 2022, Russia is experiencing a massive outflow of athletes.

For example, Azamat Tuskaev, the 2020 European champion in freestyle wrestling in the 57 kg weight category and winner of the Russian championships (2013, 2015, 2020, 2021), decided to play for Serbia.

Kristina Silayeva, the reigning winner of the Russian Speed Skating Championships in the 500 meters, will compete under the flag of Kazakhstan. According to the 23-year-old athlete, she is no longer training for Russia and made her decision to change her citizenship in early spring.

The famous Russian swimmer Anastasia Kirpichnikova has also decided to compete for another team, namely for the French one.

Sofia Prosvirnova, a four-time world championship medalist and five-time European short track champion, refused to play for Russia, having received a Danish passport.

Prior to that, the Russian former world heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev was granted Armenian citizenship.

Earlier, it became known that Viktor Plitsev, a two-time youth winner of the World Biathlon Championships, received the sports citizenship of North Macedonia.

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