Russian skier expressed her opinion about Finns
Russian skier Daria Nepreyeva shared her positive views about Finnish athletes at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
At the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Russian skier Daria Nepreyeva expressed her admiration for Finnish athletes, stating that they are very strong and talented competitors. Although she is competing under a neutral status, allowing her to participate despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Nepreyeva has chosen to engage with other athletes primarily through brief exchanges, citing her limited English proficiency as a barrier for more in-depth communication. She mentioned that it has been a challenging season due to the new experience of competing at the Olympics, but she hopes to improve and eventually surpass the achievements of her older sister, Natalya Terentyeva.
Nepreyeva also highlighted the support she has received from her club and representatives from Tatarstan during the competition, which has made her Olympic experience more enjoyable. The encouragement from her team has contributed positively to her performance. Despite the complexities surrounding her participation given her country's political situation, she focuses on her athletic endeavors and the friendships forged through sport, indicating a desire to continue improving in her sport while navigating the challenges posed by her circumstances.
As a notable competitor with a neutral status, Nepreyeva’s participation at the games reflects broader issues of politics and sport, particularly regarding athletes from Russia amid international tensions. Her reflections on Finnish athletes may also serve to build goodwill and camaraderie in the sports community, emphasizing the unifying spirit of the Olympics even amidst ongoing geopolitical disputes.