Alexander Zhukov is happy for the successes of Russians representing other countries

At a meeting with the Russia’s mainstream media, held at  the Main Media Center, the head of the Russian Olympic Committee Alexander Zhukov said that he was glad for the success of the Russian athletes, representing other countries at the Olympics, especially for the success of Yuri Podladchikov, representing Switzerland  (snowboarding), and Anastasia Kuzmina, representing Slovakia (Biathlon).

“To be honest, I do not know the details of the Podladchikov’s talks with the federation, – said Alexander Zhukov. – A man lives in another country , and apparently, he has no desire to return or he might have other considerations. However, he said that he had performed in his native country and that was wonderful . A man feels his connection with Russia and remembers its roots . They asked me if we were jealous of that success, and I have already said ‘no’, we are happy for our guy. A Russian person won gold! We are also glad for Anastasia Kuzmina. Various  things can happen in life – a person can leave for the other country or get married, but he is still Russian, no matter which country he brought victory to. There isn’t much to it”.

Speaking of such kind of examples, Alexander Zhukov mentioned the successes of Tatiana Volosozhar and Victor Ahn, who are now representing Russia:

” Tatiana Volosozhar could not win anything with her former partner, as well as Maxim Trankov , and when they came together they managed to win. More than that they won two gold medals at the Olympics.  Ahn also, would not have made it into the Korean team and would not have participated in the Games, while as part of the Russian team he performs at the Olympics and encourages the other guys”.

At the Olympic Games in Sochi Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov have won the gold medals in the Olympic pairs competition and in the team event and Victor Ahn has won the bronze medal in 1,500m short track race for Russia.