Veronika Zhilina: “I’m very disappointed; this was a dream I lived for and prepared for. This marks the third season I’ve had to sit out. I think everyone can understand how mentally challenging that is for any athlete.”

Veronika Zhilina speaks out following denial of sports citizenship transfer to Azerbaijan

original source: Metaratings / Telegram Channel Lapidarnost

Veronika Zhilina has expressed disappointment over her denied transfer to represent Azerbaijan. The International Skating Union (ISU) Council recently rejected the request, following an earlier refusal by the Russian Figure Skating Federation (FFKKR) in May. Zhilina has not competed since 2023 despite obtaining an Azerbaijani passport. Here’s a translation of her comments.

Zhilina, who trains at Evgeni Plushenko’s Academy, commented on the decision: “Yes, my application for sports citizenship has indeed been refused. I’m very disappointed; this was a dream I lived for and prepared for. But I won’t give up – I’ll wait until the day I’m granted the release.”

She reflected on the emotional toll of missing competitive seasons: “This marks the third season I’ve had to sit out. I think everyone can understand how mentally challenging that is for any athlete. Thank you to everyone who supports me – my family, my coaches, and the Azerbaijani Federation.”

Sports journalist Vladislav Zhukov offered further details about Zhilina’s case in his Telegram channel, “Lapidarnost.” He emphasized that Zhilina would continue her career despite the setbacks, noting her resilience:

“The good news is that Veronika will continue skating – it’s reassuring to know that the denial hasn’t broken her spirit. She and her team had already anticipated a negative outcome and prepared for it mentally. Now, she is training, which is fantastic.”

However, the specific reasoning behind the ISU Council’s decision remains unclear:

“According to my ISU contacts, the explanation for the decision isn’t finalized yet. It’s expected by the end of the week. It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact reasons for the refusal at this stage, though there are theories. Considering all her expenses over two seasons have been reimbursed to the FFKKR, and her private school provided her with ice time, it’ll be interesting to see what the Russian Federation’s trump card was.”

Zhukov believes this decision reshapes Zhilina’s plans for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan:

“Veronika has come to terms with the fact that participating in the Olympics is no longer a central goal. The Milan Games are no longer the center of her universe, let’s say.”

Zhukov outlined three possible outcomes for Zhilina’s transfer:

Optimistic Scenario: The FFKKR Executive Committee could hold an emergency meeting in September, after the Olympic qualification period. While rare, past precedents suggest it is possible.

Realistic Scenario: Zhilina’s release may be granted during the FFKKR Executive Committee meeting in December. If this happens, she would still be unable to compete in ISU events until the 2026/27 season but could gain valuable competition experience.

Pessimistic Scenario: Her release could be delayed until May 2026. Under current plans, however, Zhilina would not be subjected to the standard two-year quarantine period typically imposed by the FFKKR.

Zhukov praised Zhilina’s determination and the efforts of Plushenko’s Angels, her skating team:

“Let’s support the talented skater Veronika Zhilina, as well as Plushenko’s Angels, who fought tirelessly for her. This case highlights important lessons for the future.”

Despite the challenges, Zhukov stressed Zhilina’s youth and potential:

“She’s only 17 – there’s plenty ahead for her in her career. Moving forward, she plans to relocate to Azerbaijan with her family to live and train there. Over time, the narrative that her transfer attempt came out of nowhere will fade, leaving behind only what she demonstrates on the ice. From here, everything will depend solely on her.”

Related topics: ISU, Veronika Zhilina