Darya Neprjayeva, a 23-year-old Russian skier, has made it to the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games as one of the few Russian athletes allowed to compete under a neutral flag. This unusual situation has generated feelings of envy among her fellow Russians, despite the outward friendliness they display towards her. In her comments to the media, Neprjayeva highlighted a dichotomy between public appearance and private emotions, revealing that while many smile and are cordial with her, there exists an undercurrent of jealousy related to her achievements and status as a notable figure in the sports community.

Reflecting on her journey to the Olympics, Neprjayeva noted that she didn't receive a lot of encouraging words from her fellow athletes, specifically mentioning the support she got from Julia Stupak and her elder sister Natalya, which she found lacking compared to the encouragement often expected in sports. She also expressed her disappointment when she initially failed to qualify for one of the World Cup events, emphasizing the challenges she faced in the run-up to the Olympic Games. Only after her competition license was restored did she regain her opportunity to represent her nation, albeit under restricted conditions.

Neprjayeva's experience underscores the broader implications of international sports and national pride amid geopolitical tensions. As she prepares to compete, she carries not only her athletic aspirations but also a complex narrative of envy, rivalry, and the struggles of Russian athletes in the current sporting climate. The fact that she is competing under a neutral flag is a testament to the difficult circumstances surrounding Russian sports and raises questions about the future of athletes in similar situations.