Russian champion figure skater refused to perform for Russia and accepted U.S. citizenship
Russian figure skater Alisa Yefimova, who won the Universiade in Krasnoyarsk in 2019, will play for the USA. Yefimova was born in Finland, but took Russian citizenship in 2015 and changed it to German in 2020, starting to dance with Ruben Blommart.
In 2023, Yefimova and Blommart placed fourth at the European Championships and tenth at the World Championships.
Alisa Yefimova and Ruben Blommart
Source: instagram.com/alisaefim/
In the States, Yefimova will pair up with American Misha Mitrofanov, who previously skated with Audrey Lu.
"I received a release from the German figure skating federation, she let me go. Since according to the rules of the International Skating Union (ISU) I can not perform in international competitions for a year after the transition, we will be at domestic starts from the new season. Our coaches are Olga Ganicheva and Alexei Letov", - said Yefimova in an interview for "Match TV".
Alisa Yefimova
Source: instagram.com/alisaefim/
Ganicheva and Letov said their pair's ambitions are not hindered by Alisa's Russian past and their goal is to make the U.S. national team.
Alisa Yefimova
Source: instagram.com/alisaefim/
Alyssa Yefimova
Source: instagram.com/alisaefim/
Tatyana Tarasova, the USSR Merited Figure Skating Coach, said that "it is a small loss," causing Russian fans to be greatly displeased with her words.
Comments from fans
Source: sports.ru
Fan comments
Source: sports.ru
Fan comments
Source: sports.ru
Fan comments
Source: sports.ru
Fan comments
Source: sports.ru
Fan comments
Source: sports.ru
Fan comments
Source: sports.ru
Only verified information in our Telegram channel Obozrevatel and in Viber.Do not be fooled by fakes!
Subscribe
Subscribe
