Over 200 Russian Athletes Change Sports Nationality Post-War

The war unleashed by Russia in Ukraine has deprived thousands of Russian athletes of the right to participate in international competitions. However, at least 204 Russian athletes have changed their sports nationality between 2022 and 2023, according to the "Холод" news outlet.

The majority of these athletes are chess players, including Alexandra Kosteniuk, one of the most successful athletes in the history of Russian chess, who will now represent Switzerland.

Following chess, figure skating and equestrian sports have seen 11 athletes each change nationality. The Russian Figure Skating Federation has allowed Madison Chock and her ice dancer partner Gleb Smolkin to join the Georgian national team.

Rhythmic gymnastics and tennis come next, with five athletes announcing a change in their sports nationality.

Fourth on the list are motorsport and football, where Russia has lost four athletes each.

In cycling, motorcycle racing, speed skating, hockey, swimming, canoeing, boxing, and sailing, Russia has lost two athletes in each sport.

As noted by "Холод," the actual number of Russians changing their sports nationality could be significantly higher, as a substantial portion consists of younger, lesser-known athletes.