Gymnast Kovtun, who changed citizenship, complained about Ukrainians.

Gymnast Ilya Kovtun spoke about his decision to compete for Croatia and the concerns of Ukrainians

In his interview with the Croatian press, gymnast Ilya Kovtun explained his choice to compete for Croatia at the Olympic Games and expressed concern about the attitude of Ukrainians towards his success. He claims that he made the decision to change citizenship due to many circumstances, including a sense of moral obligation to the residents of Osijek, where he was genuinely welcomed. The gymnast notes that he heard that people in this city rejoice in his successes more than in Ukraine.

Kovtun confirmed that he has not been in Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion, and his coach Irina Gorbachova also submitted documents for obtaining Croatian citizenship.

In another interview, skeleton athlete Vladislav Geraskevich condemned Kovtun's and his coach's decision. He noted that they received significant financial support from the state budget. Despite the fact that the Ukrainian gymnast and his coach were provided with significant funds, Geraskevich considers their decision disrespectful and incompatible.

It should be noted that Kovtun has been living and training in Osijek for three years and won a silver medal in parallel bars at the Olympic Games in Paris.

It is worth mentioning that the gymnast and his coach received over 8.5 million hryvnias from the state budget in 2023-2024 for their prize places in international competitions.

Ilya Kovtun's decision to compete for Croatia and his acknowledgment of insufficient satisfaction among Ukrainians sparked much debate. Although the gymnast explained his actions with several reasons, including a moral obligation to the residents of Osijek, many people consider it an unfair act. Geraskevich even provided facts about the funding of athletes from the state budget, which reinforces public reaction. It is important to emphasize that an athlete with achievements like Kovtun's has a significant impact on the younger generation, and his change of citizenship could serve as a role model.