Another Russian champion ends her career due to suspension

European curling champion Galina Arsenkina has announced her retirement, citing the suspension of Russian athletes from international competitions as the main reason. The 31-year-old native of Zelenograd near Moscow said it was very difficult for her to take this step.

Arsenkina said this in a commentary to the press service of the Russian Curling Federation (RCF). She became the second Russian athlete in the last two days to announce her retirement due to sanctions. Earlier, Olympic champion Maria Lasitskene made the announcement.

"Naturally, this decision was not easy for me. But it is absolutely balanced and deliberate. In my opinion, now is the right time for this. The last impetus was the fact that the international arena is currently closed to us. I want our future generation to love this sport as much as we, the current generation, love it. I want the athletes to continue to develop Russian curling with dignity and show good results for the benefit of our country. In 5-10 years, I would like to see curling in a friendly atmosphere, global unity and equality," said Arsenkina.

The day before, Russian athletes were officially banned from signing declarations condemning the war in Ukraine in order to participate in international competitions. As a reminder, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended that federations suspend Russian athletes who are affiliated with the Russian army and law enforcement agencies, as well as team sports.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, journalist Vladas Lasitskas, the husband of Maria Lasitskene, called the athlete's tears over her suspension a disgrace to the international federation.

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