The Russian national team reacted to the possible departure of Nikitina from skeleton

MOSCOW, July 18, Oleg Bogatov. Head coach of the Russian national skeleton team Denis Alimov stated that he is ready to accept any choice that skeletonist Elena Nikitina makes if she decides to change the sport. Alimov is the personal trainer of Nikitina, who won the European Championships four times (in 2013, 2017, 2020 and 2021) and became the bronze medalist of the championships three times world (in 2016 and twice in 2021). «Anything is possible. I wouldn't be surprised if she moves into speed skating and finds herself. I know she tries herself in this sport. I don't want to comment on it because she already an adult girl and let her choose her own path. If she returns to skeleton, then we will be happy, «said Alimov. At the Beijing Olympics, Nikitina took 16th place, after which she stated that she had no desire to play in the Russian team, until the difficult psychological situation in the team changes.» Len and this year she was not at any training camp of the team. We talked to her in May, she wanted to join the team at the Russian Cup in October. After the Olympics, she wants nothing (in skeleton) and wants to try something new for herself. I told her: «Whichever option you choose, that's what you'll choose.» I know that she trains in Minsk, tries herself in speed skating and triathlon. If she chooses another sport, then I will accept her choice. Because she did a lot of good for the Russian team. In the skeleton, she could still develop, because there is something to work on. But if she decides to leave, what can I do?» Alimov added.