MOSCOW, Jan 30 Russian biathlete Valeria Vasnetsova, who passed two positive tests on COVID-19, confirmed that she will not perform at the Beijing Olympics. «Unfortunately, the dream of the Olympic Games remains just a dream. Thanks to everyone who has been by my side throughout my journey. Perhaps someday I will find in myself strength to rise again, but it will be a completely different story,» Vasnetsova wrote on her Instagram against the backdrop of her black and white photograph. The Russian Biathlon Union and the Russian Olympic Committee on Sunday submitted a request to the organizing committee of the Beijing Olympic Games for a forced replacement for Vasnetsova to Evgenia Burtasova. Initially, the women's team for the Olympics included Kristina Reztsova, Svetlana Mironova, Uliana Nigmatullina, Irina Kazakevich and Vasnetsova. Burtasova was listed as a substitute. The 2022 Olympic Games will be held in Beijing from February 4 to 20.
