Ukrainian Freestyle Skier Kateryna Kotsar on Competing Against Russian Athletes
In an interview with 'Glavcom', Ukrainian freestyle skier Kateryna Kotsar shared her perspective on the participation of Russian athletes in competitions sanctioned by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). She stated that her primary objective is now to defeat her Russian rivals, specifically to prevent them from securing an Olympic license. Kotsar emphasized that while Russian athletes like Anastasia Tatalina and Lana Prusakova are permitted to compete, they currently lack the necessary Olympic qualification. This stance reflects the complex reality for Ukrainian athletes competing internationally since Russia's full-scale invasion.
Avoiding Contact and the Challenges of Travel
Kotsar also revealed that she deliberately avoids any interaction with Russian competitors during events.
"At competitions, I simply have no contact with them and ignore their presence," she noted.This approach underscores her personal stance and her focus on her own performance and goals.
The athlete detailed the arduous 18-hour car journey she undertook to reach competitions in Austria, a necessity due to Ukraine's closed airports, highlighting the extraordinary logistical hurdles faced by her nation's sportspeople. She added that while questions from other athletes about the war in Ukraine have decreased, some, including Italy's Maria Gasslitter and Switzerland's Sarah Hoefflin, still inquire about the situation.
Through her actions and words, Kateryna Kotsar continues her struggle on the sporting front, aiming for victories that carry consequences beyond the podium by potentially impacting Russian athletes' Olympic prospects. Her position illustrates not only a personal athletic battle but also the broader, deeply fraught environment in which Ukrainian competitors now operate.