Ksenia Efremova at the age of 14 decided to change sports citizenship and feigned insane joy at this, declaring that she was now beginning a new life in which she would receive great support. The tennis player's agent called it the «highlight of a career» for a young girl. Have you forgotten about respect for your native country?
Disturbing trendsThe change of citizenship performed by our athletes has long ceased to amaze. If at first the process was slow, then in recent months the trend has obviously intensified. The government even tried to demand compensation from such people when moving to another country, hinting that Russia had invested money in them, and now they will bring medals abroad. A tough initiative, but not devoid of a certain logic.
Moreover, some of our former athletes obviously forget to thank their native country for all the efforts that it has invested in educating and developing their careers. Perhaps it sounds too pathetic and naive, but it does not become less true.
Take, for example, swimmer Anastasia Kirpichnikova, who moved to France and issued a big post with compliments to this country, while mentioning Russia with just one modest phrase. She soon won the French gold medal in the 400m freestyle and had this to say.
«I'm thrilled, this first title is very important to me. I've been waiting for this for a long time. I hope to do even better in the 800m and 1500m. Now it's easier for me to train because I'm motivated to take part in the World Cup for France. France is my second country, this is my home. I want to win a lot of medals for France, «France Press quotes Kirpichnikova.
«This is a new life and career» The 14-year-old now former Russian tennis player Ksenia Efremova went the same way. She is ranked 154th in the ITF World Junior Rankings. It seems to be not a very high position, but in the Tennis Europe ranking (age group — no older than 14 years old), Efremova takes second place. It is worth noting that before the naturalization of the Russian woman, the best French woman in this rating was on the 72nd line.
So for France it is a victory. Local media say that her transition was personally supervised by the president of the French Tennis Federation, Gilles Moretton. Another thing is that our former compatriot could treat the country in which she was born, studied and brought up a little more respectfully. Before and in France, she lives only a few years, Xenia herself admitted that she still does not know French. But she does an excellent job of praising her new place of residence.
“When I received my citizenship letter, I was happy, surprised, shocked in a good way. It changes a lot, it’s actually a new career. the next youth Grand Slam tournaments. And I will represent France there,» Tennis Majors quotes Efremova. .
«This is great news for Xenia, her family and team — the culmination of her life and career. Xenia and her mother Julia. They feel at home here and Xenia is ready to proudly represent the colors of France throughout her career. This is a source of great pride and joy for the whole family,» Martin said.
There is a suspicion that Efremova's escape is far from the last in Russian sports. Of course, people have the right to decide where they live, train and perform, but we must not forget about responsibility. The serious task of the leaders of our sport is to create such conditions for our athletes that such transfers have become an exception. Otherwise, everything can end very sadly.