The famous Ukrainian fence officer Olga Harlan commented on the decision of the athlete Elijah Kovtun to change the citizenship of Ukraine and identify Croatia. The athlete admitted that the situation had a strong emotional influence on her.
“When I first heard that he was going to change his citizenship, she perceived it as his personal, conscious decision. He previously performed in Ukraine, now he wants to represent another country – good. Yes, the moment is unsuccessful, but I am not a person who will indicate how to live it. I cannot call him a traitor, ”Harlan said.
However, according to her, the requirement is not a decision, and the statement of Kovtun in the media.
“I saw Elijah said that it was accepted there better than here. It was not true. He was not nearby when Zelensky was accepted when we were honored at the regional level. All of Ukraine rejoiced in his “silver”, everyone watched him. How could I say this? Charter”.
The athlete added that she respects any choice if he is accompanied by gratitude and respect for those who support:
“You could just say:“ Thank you, Ukraine, thanks to the fans, I was good here. And now it is cool for me and there – thanks to them. “This is true,” our Olympic champion summed up.
21-year-old Kovtun-one of the most talented Ukrainian athletes. In 2024, in addition to Olympic silver, he also won three gold medals at the European Championship in Rimin.
In January, it became known that Elijah and his coach Irina Gorbachev submitted documents for Croatian citizenship. In April, the athlete confirmed this information, adding that the design process is still ongoing.
Earlier, in an interview with OBOZ.ua, coach Irina Gorbacheva noted that Ukraine did not put anything in the preparation of its chamber for OI-2014. Kovtun himself deleted a post on the support of Ukraine and its people from Instagram.
According to OBOZ.UA, the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Matthew, poor, expressed his indignation at Elijah Kovtun to leave the national team of Ukraine.
Only Verified information that we have in the Telegram OBOZ.UA channel and Viber. Do not run to fakes!
Source: Obozrevatel
Brayden White, a veteran sports writer at Global Happening, brings his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the sports section. With over a decade of experience, he is committed to delivering high-quality coverage of the latest games and events.
