European short course swimming champion Anastasia Kirpichnikova announced that she had changed her sports citizenship from Russian to French. She announced this on Instagram. Kirpichnikova was considered one of the most promising Russian swimmers, but for two years she had not played for the Russian team.
“I am pleased to announce an important change, which is my naturalization as a Frenchwoman. Thanks to this country that hosted me four and a half years ago. I am proud to represent France at the next World Cup, ”wrote the athlete.
By the age of 22, Kirpichnikova had won a silver medal at the World Short Course Championships and three gold medals at the European Championships. She is the first Russian woman in history to compete at the Olympic Games in both pool and open water swimming. This happened in Tokyo in 2020.
Earlier, Russian swimmer Mark Nikolaev also began the procedure for changing sports citizenship. He will play for the Australian national team.