Former Ukrainian national team gymnast Anna Pikalyuk becomes Croatian citizen

Former Ukrainian national team gymnast Anna Pikalyuk becomes Croatian citizen
Former Ukrainian national team gymnast Anna Pikalyuk becomes Croatian citizen

Change of sporting status

Anna Pikalyuk, who previously represented Ukraine in international rhythmic gymnastics competitions, has officially obtained Croatian citizenship. This information was confirmed by Croatian media and the club GK Aura, for which the 19-year-old athlete currently competes.

The gymnast may soon step onto the competition carpet for the first time under the Croatian flag. The likely venue for her debut will be the 10th Aura Cup tournament, taking place in Zagreb from 8 to 11 October. To compete in the main part of the event, the Croatian Gymnastics Federation must manage to issue Pikalyuk a licence from the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). If this document is not obtained before the start of the tournament, the athlete will be able to participate in the events, but out of competition.

Reaction to the news

Anna herself admitted that the news of being granted new citizenship came as a real surprise.

«Коли мені зателефонували й сказали, що я хорватка, я не знала, як реагувати, лише плакала. Але відчувала велику вдячність тренерці Ніці, клубу Aura, Хорватській федерації гімнастики та Хорватському олімпійському комітету» (When they called me and told me I was Croatian, I didn't know how to react, I just cried. But I felt great gratitude towards coach Nica, the Aura club, the Croatian Gymnastics Federation, and the Croatian Olympic Committee), the athlete said.

History of the move

Anna moved to Croatia a year and a half ago, when she turned 18. Initially, she joined the Aura club in the position of a coach, but later decided to return to active competition.

The decision to change her place of residence was linked to the war. Pikalyuk left Kyiv with her mother and brother. Initially, the family temporarily settled in Vienna, after which Anna moved to Zagreb on her own.

Currently, the athlete considers Croatia her home.

«Зараз, коли я кудись їду і повертаюся до Загреба, кажу: "Я їду додому". Aura та Хорватія допомогли мені знову мати дім» (Now, when I go somewhere and return to Zagreb, I say: "I am going home". Aura and Croatia helped me have a home again), the gymnast noted.

Ties with Ukraine

Anna noted that she misses Ukraine. Her grandparents are still in Kyiv, although, according to the granddaughter, they will also have to leave their native home.

«Мені бракує України. Бабуся й дідусь досі в Києві, але й їм доведеться виїхати. Це нестерпно. Вони взагалі не сплять, щодня відбуваються обстріли. Сподіваюся, що все це якнайшвидше закінчиться» (I miss Ukraine. Grandma and grandpa are still in Kyiv, but they will also have to leave. It is unbearable. They do not sleep at all, there is shelling every day. I hope that all of this will end as soon as possible), Anna shared.

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first!

Leave a comment

Links are not allowed in comments. The editors may remove comments without explanation.
Back to top ↑